New York Based developer Linfield Capital has announced that the restoration of the historic Arcade is nearing completion. Work on the roughly 120 year old structure has been taking place since Q2 2022 and new retail announcements are starting to roll out. Brokered by Elliott Kyle and Ojas, the Arcade features nearly 72,000 SF of leasable commercial space within the historic structure; it also includes the reactivation of Arcade alley as a public gathering and entertainment space. The Arcade is located at 65 Arcade Alley.
Local businessman Daniel C. Buntin created the city’s first enclosed shopping area with the Arcade in 1902. The design was modeled after the famous Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele (1865-77) in Milan, Italy. The Arcade caused so much excitement that more than 40,000 people attended the grand opening in 1903. At the time, the population of Davidson County was approximately 125,000, according to the Nashville Downtown Partnership.
“We’re extremely excited about redevelopment and re-activation of the historic Nashville Arcade. Originally built in 1902 and set at the epicenter of Nashville’s central business district, the Arcade has long been a staple in the Nashville retail ecosystem, and with a comprehensive renovation near completion, we are excited to bring exciting local and regional brands to the Arcade to bring a contemporary edge to this historic building”
Elam Freeman, Founder & Principal at Ojas Partners
Daniel Walker, co-owner of Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, will open a small live music venue in Arcade Alley named The Show Stop sometime around mid-2024. The name mirrors the concept, which is an intimate space for people to stop in for a show. He envisions presenting music that will range from songwriters to full bands, and from early afternoon to late night shows. Robert Looper III, creator of CityNowNext, had an opportunity to interview Mr.Walker to get more insight into the concept. Here’s what he had to say,
“The Show Stop will exude a vibe that is throwback and retro, with music that is carefully curated to create a memorable experience for guests. Daniel’s background for the past 7 years as head talent buyer at Dee’s, one of the most respected small venues in town, involves presenting authentic live music from both local and touring acts. We are looking to bring that concept in a similar way to downtown”.
Looper also asked if the venue would emphasize any particular genre of music given the current music scene at Printers Alley and Broadway.
Walker continued, “We aren’t tied to any particular genre, but we will frequently feature music involving funk, songwriters, classic country, blues, rock, and Americana. We want to offer a unique live music experience, which in many ways will be the opposite of what you’d experience in the big Broadway bars.”
Daniel Walker has been in Nashville for 15 years and he and his wife own Dee’s. He was approached about potentially expanding into the Arcade about a year ago by a Elliot Kyle , to recreate the atmosphere they have at Dee’s. Kyle felt the Arcade offered the perfect opportunity to bring a sense of authentic Nashville that may be getting lost in the redevelopment of the Downtown core.
”It was important to me that we have live music at The Arcade. For a project so intrinsically tied to downtown Nashville’s history, I wanted someone who’s venue would harken back to the classic honky tonk era but with an eclectic musical offering. Daniel was the first and only call I made. I can’t wait to see shows at The Show Stop. It’ll be a perfect compliment to the rest of the consumer experience at The Arcade and a very Nashville spot”
Elliot Kyle, Deal Maker
Slide the image to see What’s Now & Next.
Shown for context only.
The Arcade building extends between 4th and 5th Avenues North while the Arcade Alley extends between Church & Union Streets. Show Stop will occupy the building of the former Back Alley Diner (B.A.D.), which closed back in 2018. Show Stop will have a capacity of a little over 100 and will serve food and alcohol. The owner also plans to live stream shows.
The Arcade will also extend the activation of Bankers Alley, which is slated for a new mixed-use development and the infamous Printers Alley. The combination of adaptive reuse and new construction projects will allow both long time and new businesses the opportunity to usher in the next era of entertainment for Downtown Nashville.
I’m excited about the redevelopment of Printers alley as well as the addition of the recent addition of Urban Cowboy at the Arcade. Dee’s Lounge is located in Madison, which can be a bit far for some tourists; although, those that do make it there love it. So we want to bring that music program to downtown and provide tourist as well as locals on this side of town, something a little more sophisticated and authentic.
Daniel Walker, Owner of Show Stop
The developer also confirmed the addition Urban Cowboy to the Arcade Building. Urban Cowboy Public House is a bar and restaurant slated for to open on the second level along 5th Avenue. The latest venture from Julia Jaksic and Eric Lincoln, the team behind Café Roze and Roze Pony, has been previously announced.
The Arcade has experienced more of a restoration to its former glory than a renovation. The developer enlisted Dryden Architecture to lead the $10Million+ in capital improvements which includes repairs and upgrades to the retail storefronts, mechanical and electrical systems, and the building facades on 4th & 5th Avenues.
The developer acquired the property in March 2021 and anticipates completing phase 1 renovations by the end of 2023. Phase 2 includes the further restoration of Arcade Alley. This also includes the transformation of the old post office parking lot into a new public plaza/green space for music and entertainment on Union Street . The images below provide a glimpse into the progress over the over the summer as well as a look at the phase 2 alley activation.
Slide the image to see What’s Now & Next.
Shown for context only.
Tenant build-outs are anticipated to start in Q4 of 2023 and expect openings starting in the summer of next year. Further targeted retail types include fine dining, fashion, cosmetics, eye wear, fast casual dining, and bar/cocktail establishments.
To inquire about leasing opportunities contact Elliot Kyle or Ojas Partners.
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