Metro reaches deal with TPAC for performing arts center on East Bank

The city of Nashville has reached an agreement with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to create a new facility as part of the redevelopment of the East Bank across from downtown.

The contract secures TPAC a location adjacent to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and grants Metro annual access to use the center for educational opportunities and other needs.

The news arrived late Wednesday after Metro had struggled to work out a deal with TPAC after infrastructure costs became a point of tension. At one point during 18 months of negotiations, TPAC also began considering other site possibilities on state-owned plots.

The project will be costly. The state has dedicated $500 million toward construction, contingent on TPAC raising private matching dollars and Metro’s involvement. In a statement, Mayor Freddie O’Connell said that infrastructure costs will be shared by TPAC and the city.

“This agreement ensures Metro and TPAC will partner on related infrastructure costs and advances a key piece of the East Bank redevelopment,” O’Connell said. “TPAC will have a world class space to bring live theater and other premier events to Nashville, and there will be opportunities for public access.”

But the deal will see Metro footing significantly more of the bill than under the original plan. Initially, Metro was on the hook for around $7 million worth of infrastructure costs. Under this deal, Metro is assuming responsibility for demolition of part of the pedestrian bridge and a new access point — a $42 million venture. That means Metro will be paying $49 million total.

TPAC will invest up to $15.8 million for improvements along Victory Drive and Davidson Road, along with a connection to the pedestrian bridge. TPAC will also contribute $8.8 million to Metro for other related infrastructure needs.

Reaching a deal

The city has long been interested in bringing TPAC to the East Bank, as it embarks on the massive redevelopment of the land just across the Cumberland River from downtown. Right now, the area is home to the old and new Nissan stadiums, but not much else. The city has enlisted developer the Fallon Company to construct homes and retail space. Some see TPAC’s presence on the East Bank as an offering to locals, not just tourists.

“A new TPAC will be more than just a new building,” TPAC CEO Jennifer Turner said. “Creating a visionary, innovative performing arts venue will allow us to elevate our programming and enhance the visitor experience, providing meaningful opportunities to experience Broadway shows, extensive educational opportunities for students across the state, and a home to the Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and Nashville Repertory Theatre.”

The performing arts center cannot stay in its current location — the state’s James K. Polk office building near the statehouse. Since 2022, officials have been working to remove all state offices from that structure to rent it as a long-term ground lease.

Nashville’s Metro Council will have to vote on the deal over the course of multiple meetings in the coming weeks.

Update: This story was updated at 1:05 p.m. Friday with additional details about infrastructure costs.