George Jones Museum Coming To Downtown Nashville
The George Jones Museum and Event Center is coming to downtown Nashville.
This is the news relayed from George’s widow, Nancy Jones, who announced today that she has spent $4.35 million on two pieces of adjacent property at 128 and 130 Second Ave. N. in Nashville that was the former home of the Graham Central Station nightclub complex. The property is right near the Cumberland River, and within walking distance of both the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the recently opened Johnny Cash museum. Early plans call for a 44,000 sq. ft. facility that would include event space, a music venue, restaurant, and gift shop, all to commemorate the legacy of country music legend George Jones who passed away on April 26th, 2013.
“We are overjoyed to share George’s legacy and memory with the Nashville community,” Nancy Jones said in a statement. “We hope that this will draw George’s friends and fans worldwide to our great city. George and I made this our home, and he would be happy to know that we found a home to continue his legacy in the heart of Music City.”
The three-story building that currently resides on the 1/4-acre lot was shut down in March by Nashville police after it was deemed to be a public nuisance because of “persistent criminal activity” according to The Tennessean. Called The Hooper Building, it has a 3rd floor rooftop patio that overlooks the Cumberland River and Nashville’s Riverfront Park. The building was originally built in 1924 and was owned previously by the Callen Trust. Nancy Jones is currently working with designers on how to move forward to reconfigure the space for the museum’s needs, and expects to have more information about what country music fans can expect from the new museum in the coming weeks and months.
The Johnny Cash Museum, which opened at 119 3rd Ave S in downtown Nashville in May of 2013, has been a great addition to the area. As Nashville has experienced dramatic growth over the last few years, many older and historic properties are getting bulldozed in favor of condominium complexes and other new developments. The George Jones museum will be another positive addition to downtown Nashville’s historic neighborhood.
READ: George Jones & His Notorious Riding Lawnmower
The Hooper Building in downtown Nashville:
via Google Maps
Eric
September 29, 2014 @ 5:21 pm
Finally, something historically important is being built in Nashville instead of torn down.
Clint
September 29, 2014 @ 10:46 pm
I’m sure glad to hear about this, although it re-reminds me that he’s dead. I like the location too.
I’ve heard people say some really bad things about Nancy, like that she’s a gold-digger, or that she probably had boyfriends. I have no clue if any of that stuff’s true, or just slander, but I think this story proves that Nancy genuinely cares about George’s legacy.
Tubb
September 30, 2014 @ 1:12 pm
I’ve heard people say that too, usually in the comments section on news stories about this. It just goes to show how cynical and uninformed people can be.
I recall prior to the Jones tribute show last November they began selling $1,000 VIP tickets that included a meet and greet with Nancy and people called her a gold digger. What these idiots failed to realize that while George was still alive they were selling these same $1,000 VIP tickets with a meet and greet for him.
Come to think of it, there were also people complaining about the $1,000 price, as though all tickets to the show were that much, ignorant of the fact that tickets could still be bought for less than $30.
Kev
September 30, 2014 @ 1:55 am
I visited the Cash museum recently and was very impressed. I hope the George Jones on is set up to the same high standard!
Tubb
September 30, 2014 @ 1:07 pm
Looking forward to visiting this when it’s completed. It’s great to see that as Nashville grows, things like this, as well as the Johnny Cash museum are being built as reminders of country music’s history.
luckyoldsun
October 3, 2014 @ 12:20 am
Where is the market for a “George Jones Museum”?
We’re not talking about Elvis right after he died. Maybe a Johnny Cash Museum can work for awhile. He was a worldwide celebrity, music and TV star, who cavorted with presidents and kings.
But what’s to see at a George Jones Museum? His records? His loud and clashing sport jackets? How many people under 50 would ever walk through the door?
Terry
October 22, 2014 @ 3:37 pm
who is the design firm doing the museum and restaurant? Anyone know?