Library garage fire prompts $10M lawsuit against Nashville Downtown Partnership

Metro Nashville’s insurance company has filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Nashville Downtown Partnership over last summer’s fire in the downtown parking garage next to the main library.

The lawsuit was filed just before the one-year anniversary of the fire, which caused multiple vehicles explosions and a partial collapse of the structure. The fire led to a nine-month closure of the adjoining Main Library (even though the fire was contained to the garage) as the library cleared soot and smoke damage, and resolved fire safety issues. As the largest branch of the Nashville Public Library system, the library’s closure caused disruption to some programs and caused some materials to remain off-limits.

The garage remains closed, though library officials have discussed plans for a partial reopening while repairs continue on the upper levels. In the meantime, the library is offering discounted parking at the McKendree Garage on 6th Avenue. A shuttle for library employees who need to park farther away given the garage’s closure was a part of Nashville Public Library’s budget requests this year.

The lawsuit, filed by Travelers Insurance Company, says the city leased a portion of the garage to Block by Block, a property management company contracted by the Nashville Downtown Partnership. According to the complaint, the company “improperly stored combustible, hazardous and flammable materials” and allowed employees to smoke nearby.

The filing says that the Nashville Downtown Partnership breached its maintenance and oversight responsibilities, and failed to comply with state, federal and industry regulations. The insurance company says NDP was negligent and in violation of the insurance contract, and is seeking $10 million in damages.

The Nashville Downtown Partnership is also at odds with the city in other matters. Last week, Nashville’s Metro Council opted to reject the budget proposal that funds the partnership. The rejection stemmed from some councilmembers’ concern over actions of the NDP, including hiring off-duty Tennessee Highway Patrol officers, a former contract with controversial security company Solaren, and the garage fire.