New TPAC facility on Nashville's East Bank could create 'iconic' home for performing arts
As the massive East Bank development plans take shape, there's one element of the project many in the Nashville performing arts community think could be a crucial anchor to the emerging neighborhood: the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
While legislation attached to the budgeting of TPAC's move from the downtown urban core to the East Bank isn't fully approved yet, Nashville is faced with an opportunity not only to create a visually stunning piece of architecture but to cement a long-term, permanent home for the performing arts in Nashville.
Metro Chief Development Officer Bob Mendes described the location as "iconic."
"If you're in the middle of Broadway looking east across the river, this is the building that you may see directly — it may be the postcard for Nashville for a long time to come," he said.
Backstory: Nashville's East Bank: What's on the table for new Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Since its first live performances in 1980, TPAC has grown into an arts and culture melting pot attracting some 435,000 audience members annually. With an updated space, TPAC could expand its programming with touring Broadway productions and ballet, opera, and dramatic theater performances from its three resident companies (Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera and Nashville Repertory Theatre), while also growing its nationally recognized arts education programs.
But there are still some hurdles to tackle before it's a done deal.
State will grant millions — if TPAC can also raise millions
The state of Tennessee has granted $200 million toward a new TPAC facility in the 2023-24 budget. Those funds are contingent on TPAC raising matching dollars from the private sector and Metro Nashville participating in the project with the city-owned East Bank site and related infrastructure needs.
The current TPAC facility is located in the James K. Polk State Office Building, which the state has determined is antiquated, forcing TPAC to look for a new home.
Included with the $200 million commitment in the 2023-24 budget is the intent for TPAC to receive an additional $300 million in the 2024-25 budget with a requirement of private philanthropic contributions to support the relocation, according to TPAC. This $500 million total investment is based on findings from a study conducted by the state and aligned with estimated costs to repair and renovate the existing facility. TPAC has begun to identify philanthropic leaders who wish to fund this visionary project and must raise $100 million to unlock the full state grant.
Alan Valentine, CEO of the Nashville Symphony, said it's encouraging to see the state willing to partner at the level it is.
"We are rooting for TPAC to get this done and do it well," Valentine told The Tennessean. "I'm a big believer in the rising-tide-raises-all-boats theory. It's important that we all work together to care for the whole performing arts ecosystem."
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell seconds that sentiment, saying in a recent news conference that the city also wants TPAC to have a great new home.
"We want Nashville to be able to showcase the performing arts of many kinds," he said. "To me this is a sign of the East Bank being able to offer livability options for residents who will start to call the East Bank home in the future, but also continue to have a great performing arts showcase space in the heart of Nashville. I think it helps define an entertainment district that is more about entertainment for all ages."
What would the new TPAC include?
The Tennessean previously reported that the new TPAC facility would be located on 3.3 acres of city-owned land near the outlet of the pedestrian bridge on the east bank of the Cumberland River. The multiuse community, performance and education space would have several facets:
A 2,600-seat multipurpose theater
A 1,200-seat dance and opera hall
A 500-seat flexible venue
Four rehearsal studios (to be used for rehearsals, classroom space and for community events)
TPAC administrative offices
At least one publicly accessible exterior plaza providing public access to and from the riverfront
TPAC has retained the services of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) architecture firm, along with William Rawn Associates and Nashville-based Hastings Architects, to design the building, although no renderings or initial designs have been made public.
During a Metro Council committee meeting in March, TPAC President and CEO Jennifer Turner said the plan is to expand the current 2,400-seat theater to 2,600 seats, the 1,000-seat theater to 1,200 seats and the 250-seat "black box" space to 450 to 500 seats, but design it to be flexible to accommodate different types of events.
Upcoming shows: See which Broadway classics are headed to Nashville's TPAC
The Nashville Ballet is one of the local performing arts organizations that calls TPAC home and uses these various spaces. Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin said that the Nashville Ballet has always been appreciative of the relationship with TPAC and that the ballet has been asked for its input on the new space's design.
"They have been really open about communicating with us about what our needs are," Mullikin told The Tennessean. "It's great to have that level of input. It's nice to be heard."
He said the ballet would love the versatility of multiple theaters of different sizes to accommodate bigger or smaller shows, improved loading dock spaces and more pedestrian access to the space.
"This new location would give us honestly more accessibility," he added. "I’m hopeful that parking will be part of the plan. Some of the early renderings have a fantastic view across the river, and seeing TPAC right across the river tells me what we value. To have a really great building that attracts the eye, and says, 'Wow, this city has so much to offer alongside country music.' We value the support from the state to make it possible. It's important to our livelihood here at the ballet to bring world-class ballet to a world-class venue."
Executives from TPAC declined to be interviewed for this story.
Melonee Hurt covers music and music business at The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network – Tennessee. Reach Melonee at mhurt@tennessean.com, on X @HurtMelonee or Instagram at @MelHurtWrites.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville arts: TPAC to help define entertainment sector on East Bank
