Citizens are having their say about what sort of site and design are needed for a new Nashville Convention Center.
Earlier this year, a study group commissioned by Mayor Bill Purcell reported their opinion that the city needs a new, state-of-the-art facility big enough to compete for all but the largest conventions. The group estimates such a center would cost the city 455-million dollars.
At a public forum today, the Nashville Civic Design Group asked attendees to brainstorm in small groups about what they’d like to see in a new convention center.
“…we were thinking it was important to go into an undeveloped- underdeveloped area to try to bring about some economic stimulus…”
“…we want to win design awards, and not just a music shaped building…”
“…we have so many big icon buildings in this city, we don’t need another icon….”
“…we really think it’s critical that for future growth that there’s a mass transit connection. We thought that the convention center could basically serve as a gateway to Nashville from the airport…”
“…let’s build a facility that’s easy to manage and maintain a good facility…”
“…we want it to be a catalyst for future growth for the city, to provide additional areas for restauranteurs and local businesses to build and to flourish…”
Most groups agreed it is important to maintain the existing street grid, use environmentally responsible building techniques, and that any new facility should have value for locals in the form of street-front retail and restaurant space, or even a residential component.
A second public forum begins at 7:00 tomorrow evening at the Adventure Science Center.
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