signature still on the radar screen!

[linclink]

http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cf...s&news_id=40569

Just found this article, thought it was interesting that they are still talking about the Signature Tower, since alot of people here said that it was probably not a serious proposal....

Wow!! what with the symphony center, viridian, that cool courthouse, and all the other smaller renovations and new buildings, if the signature gets built - WOW! Nashville will really come into its own!!!

Just a question.... how come Nashville doesn't seem to attract alot of attractions.... is it that Nashville doesn't want any, or that people haven't discovered it? We drove through Chattanooga and its a very small place, but they had an Aquerium, and some other stuff.... Gatlinburg had almost as much as Orlando (hehehe).... I certainly wouldn't like to see Nashville be anything like Orlando . But Nashville is becoming such a world class city, it'd be nice to see some more tourist type attractions to hopefully get more people interested in coming to city (more than once)!!!

So, my question I guess is, does anyone know if Nashville is actively seeking to bring some more tourist type attractions, like a Six Flags, or a Sea World, or a Wet and Wild, or something? We will be in St. Louis in the summer and I was suprised with the amount of attractions they have! I think Nashville is a much cooler city.... so was wondering why you guys think some places get these attractions and Nashville doesn't.

[rocket9561]

http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cf...s&news_id=40569

Just found this article, thought it was interesting that they are still talking about the Signature Tower, since alot of people here said that it was probably not a serious proposal.... 

Wow!!  what with the symphony center, viridian, that cool courthouse, and all the other smaller renovations and new buildings, if the signature gets built - WOW!  Nashville will really come into its own!!! 

Just a question....  how come Nashville doesn't seem to attract alot of attractions.... is it that Nashville doesn't want any, or that people haven't discovered it?  We drove through Chattanooga and its a very small place, but they had an Aquerium, and some other stuff.... Gatlinburg had almost as much as Orlando (hehehe)....  I certainly wouldn't like to see Nashville be anything like Orlando .  But Nashville is becoming such a world class city, it'd be nice to see some more tourist type attractions to hopefully get more people interested in coming to city (more than once)!!! 

So, my question I guess is, does anyone know if Nashville is actively seeking to bring some more tourist type attractions, like a Six Flags, or a Sea World, or a Wet and Wild, or something?  We will be in St. Louis in the summer and I was suprised with the amount of attractions they have!  I think Nashville is a much cooler city....  so was wondering why you guys think some places get these attractions and Nashville doesn't.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We actually are seeking these type of attractions. Nashville Shores expands some each year and there have been talks of adding a theme park (Thrillopolis?) to the site there or on its own in Wilson County. The Nashville Zoo is also under some major construction to become one of the lergest Zoo's in the nation...and its right in the middle of the city!

Nashville's main attraction is country music and a steady group of people will come year after year for that reason only. Even with these new projects, the demand seems to be based on local interest rather than tourists because of this.

[linclink]

Wow...

Thats great to hear!! I heard that Nashville Shores was really small... I guess I heard wrong.... Do they have a timeline for the ZOO? Any idea of when it would be completed? Also... where can one find info on this thrillopolis?

As for Country music being the main attraction... I think that needs to always be a factor, since it is something native to Nashville... but realisticly, how many people will travel to a place because of Country music? And even if they do, how many will go repeatedly? I know my husband and I went there because of the CCM scene... since he is a musician wanting to work in the Christian music industry, but I wouldn't say that is a draw for most Christians. In the same way, I wonder what percentage of Country music listeners make the treck because of the Country music scene.... Also, Country music is not very big (compared to other genres of music).... it would be nice to see some other attractions, and not such a heavy leaning on Country music.... But again, it should not be done away with, since it is unique to Nashville....

Paula

[linclink]

I did a search on this... and it looks pretty dead... anyone have any good news about it?

heres the link to a recent article:

http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cf...s&news_id=40071

It's really a shame, because judging from the following article, it would have been a BLAST!!! And it would have opened in the spring of this year

http://www.tennessean.com/local/archives/0...ent_ID=16573491

Paula

[rocket9561]

Wow...

Thats great to hear!!  I heard that Nashville Shores was really small... I guess I heard wrong....  Do they have a timeline for the ZOO?  Any idea of when it would be completed?  Also... where can one find info on this thrillopolis? 

As for Country music being the main attraction...  I think that needs to always be a factor, since it is something native to Nashville... but realisticly, how many people will travel to a place because of Country music?  And even if they do, how many will go repeatedly?  I know my husband and I went there because of the CCM scene... since he is a musician wanting to work in the Christian music industry, but I wouldn't say that is a draw for most Christians.  In the same way, I wonder what percentage of Country music listeners make the treck because of the Country music scene....  Also, Country music is not very big (compared to other genres of music)....  it would be nice to see some other attractions, and not such a heavy leaning on Country music....  But again, it should not be done away with, since it is unique to Nashville....

Paula

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come to Nashville in June...thousands of people from across the world come to Nashville year after year after year for Country Music.

[linclink]

I understand.... But really, I think Nashville loses more tourists due to the Country thing, than it gains.... Nashville will always be a Country destination for those who want to go Country Music land.... but I can't tell you how many people look at me like I am crazy when I tell them I'll be moving to Nashville next year.... They always ask me what I'm going to do there in "hickville" (their words, not mine)... when I tell them what a great city Nashville is, and that they should go there on vacation some time to check it out, they always say the same thing.... why? I'm not into country music.... And the truth is, there really isn't another reason to tell them to go... I mean, I tell them about the scenery, the great people, the museums, cheekwood.... but what else is there? I can't think of a better place to live in and raise a family, but the reality is that there isn't much in terms of attractions for tourists....

Paula

[GaTechGuy]

I understand that the country music might turn a few people off, but I don't think that it hurts Nashville at all. Those people that you talk to probably wouldn't even know what or where Nashville was if it weren't for country music and therefore wouldn't be coming to visit it anyway. Last year the 4 day CMA (country music association) festival drew over 130,000 people to Nashville, thats a healthy number of people. A lot of people in Nashville resent its image as the country music capital (even myself from time to time), but I think it would be unwise to try to make Nashville into something its not.

However, I do agree that new additions to bring a broader group of people here would be a good thing. The zoo is well on its way to becoming a wonderful attraction and hopefully they will market it effectively so that people know about it. I have a feeling that within the next couple of years Nashville will get a theme park. There seems to be a lot of local interest in it ever since the closing of Opry Land broke so many peoples hearts, so its just a matter of who and when.

[it's just dave]

Good points, GT.

Paula, your naive assessment of our tourist industry/country music industry/music industry/city as a whole practically made me break out in a cold sweat. Is a themepark, or an aquariam, or a waterpark what make a city cool?

[cheeriokid61]

I agree. Half the things tourists do in a city deal with the cities culture. It's the landmarks, cultural points of interest, and natural beauty that make a city what it is. That's what people tend to know about a city. Not some waterpark or themepark a city has. It's a lot deeper than that.

[linclink]

Hey Dave,

Your right... it is not what makes a city cool... I have said many times how cool I think all the new buildings and the more urban developments in Nashville are. I think it's great that Nashville is focusing on making Nashville great for Nashville's residents first, and then for tourists. However, tourism can be a great boost for any economy. If you'll read my first post, I mention that I think Nashville is a world class city and I cannot understand how a small little town like Chattanooga, or Pigeon Forge can have attractions, that a great city like Nashville doesn't even come close to having. I am not bashing Nashville. Like I said, we are going to St. Louis this summer (will be in Nashville for a day.. .wohoo!) and it amazes me that they have soooo much to offer, when I don't think they are half the city that Nashville is. But the reality is, that as much as my kids loved Nashville, and as happy as they are to be moving there (we promised to one day buy some land and get them a horse), there really isn't alot of attractions for a family there! And that's true, not only for toursits but for locals too. I have read online reviews of Nashville Shores... everyone complains that its too small, too crowded, and doesn't have enough rides. The zoo will be great when it's done, but I have read many negative reviews on it as well.... And don't even get me started on Valley Fair Amusement Park!!! We went to the museum and to cheekwood and to percy warner park and loved it, but how many people are going to go to Nashville more than once for that? Even the new study that was done stated that Nashville is the only major Metropolitan area in the country to NOT have an amusement park! You have to agree that when a Nashville resident wants to go to a decent water park, they leave the city (and take there money with them) and go to another city. When they want to go on thrill rides, again, they take their money to another city.... The reality is that Nashville is losing money, not only from tourists, but from its own residents!!! So don't tell me I am making you break out in a cold sweat! I really like you Dave, and I really like Nashville, so lets not get defensive. But lets face it..... Nashville needs some attractions, pronto! Believe me, I am not talking as an outsider bashing Nashville... I am talking as someone who plans on living there for many many years, who fell in love with the city, and who hopes that Nashville continues to grow and prosper. It's a great city, but people will not know that unless there is a draw... and Country Music USA is NOT the only one. I don't think it needs to be dumped, but there needs to be more to it than that... thats all.

[GaTechGuy]

I'm curious. Where are you moving to Nashville from, Paula?

I agree about adding additional attractions to Nashville, but I think the main focus will always be Country Music. I'd be willing to bet that when a theme park finally does come to town its "theme" will be country music/country culture; just like Opry Land's theme was. The problem right now is that the theme park industry isn't doing too well right now (Six Flags has been losing money like crazy the past several years and the Disney parks have only just recently become profitable again) and Nashville isn't willing to shell out anymore money for civic projects because it is still paying off all the projects that were completed during the 90's and early part of this decade. However, the pros will eventually outweigh the cons.

[linclink]

Hey GaTechGuy!

I think I gave the wrong impression... I have nothing against the country music heritage of Nashville. I do think that it scares some people away, but only because they think that is all there is to Nashville. A theme park with the Country music theme... like a Dollywood, for example would be a good idea, I believe.... So would something more urban like a thrillopolis. I just think that people think thats all there is to Nashville. I certainly did. But when I came and visited I was blown away by how different it was from what I had expected. The people in Nashville/Cool Springs/ Franklin (the 3 places I visited... welll Brentwood too) were exceptionally nice, educated, well mannered and kind. The lay of the land is beautiful... and the downtown is going through revitalization and is obviously going to look really nice in the next few years. We are really into history and so were pleasently surprised by all the great museums, president's homes, botanical garden, etc... The only thing is that we have 3 kids. Luckily they love the outdoors, love horses and a more country setting. But coming from South Florida, I am used to tourism being a big part of the economy. And believe me, it's a great thing. After 9/11 when so many states were going into recessions, and cutting services, and losing jobs, we hardly felt it here because even with the reduced tourism, it was still a large enough industry that it didn't make much of a dent on our economy. I try and read the Tennessean online every day. The state doesn't want a state sales tax (which we don't have in Florida either), but they are having a hard time with the budget. I think middle tennessee is probably the south's best kep secret. There is so much to offer in the Davidson/Williamson area. But it seems to me like the area is underserved. I know I am an outsider... but sometimes it's good to get an outside perspective. I thought that since Nashville is coming into it's own and becoming such a cool city, and since there is so much history there... such great people, so much natural beauty, etc... maybe more attractions would bring even more tourists... which again, is really good for the local economy. I have friends who vacation in Gatlinburg every year... they won't go to Nashville though.... I have been there twice and am always telling them to go... but they say they've researched Nashville and there won't be anything cool for their kids to do there... We took a couple with us the last time we went to Nashville, thinking they would love it.... they said they won't be coming back... there was nothing to do. Our family found plenty to do since, like I said, we like museums and gardens, and so on... but most people would like a good attraction. We then went to Gatlinburg with this same couple, and they loved it there. Why? Because there were a ton of places to go to... They also loved Chattanooga, where we spent a few days on the way back. I have to say that I prefered Nashville over Chattanooga and Gatlinburg... but the reality is that they get more tourists than Nashville does. So I guess they are doing something right.... Anyways.. I didn't mean to offend anyone... just giving a different opinion thats all.

As to where we are moving too.... We really liked West Nashville, (Belle Meade, Green Hills, love those old established neighborhoods) but it's pretty expensive. We would love to buy some land, maybe 5 acres or so, build a house, and let the kids grow up more simply.... maybe in the Franklin area..... but I am a city girl at heart and am really tempted by the germantown, east nashville areas... At this point it's pretty much up in the air... we will figure it out once we get there....

Paula

[sleepy]

Paula, your naive assessment of our tourist industry/country music industry/music industry/city as a whole practically made me break out in a cold sweat. Is a themepark, or an aquariam, or a waterpark what make a city cool?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree.

Waterparks, themeparks, and so on are only going to attract locals or people from the regional area--for the most part. And there's nothing wrong with that at all. For those interested in that sort of thing it makes living there more pleasant and attractive.

But the only reason that Nashville is any sort of national or international tourist destination is because of country music. If it weren't for that, people would have no more reason to go there on vacation than they would to Charlotte or Raleigh.

Gatlinburg/Sevierville's main attraction is the Smokies and their other attractions grew up around that. And Chattanooga has always been somewhat of a tourist town with Rock City and Ruby Falls, as hokey as they might be. The aquarium just capitalized on something that was already there.

[it's just dave]

Hey Paula, don't get me wrong. We DO need more attractions for the kids. I'll be the group to admit that. (and don't get me started on Valley, either, but it was supposed to be a small thing...and boy, is it!)

We do get tourists by the millions, but in reality, those with kids are limited with what they can do. I'm all for a theme park, of course I am. But from my personal perspective, Nashville without one is fine for ME. If a company comes in and wants to put something here, and I'm sure this will happen in the not-too-distant future, I'll be there on opening day. I'll be a cheerleader for it. I'll skip the short skirt.

There have been plans for large water parks,too, that have fallen through, so who knows, something might be in the future for that as well.

We're a jig-saw puzzle in flux. For so many years, much of what we had was for the tourists. There was much more for them to do than for us. Now, the tables have turned, and we locals are provided with enormous oppportunities to entertain ourselves on most any level. Now that we've fixed those deficiencies, it's time now to bring the visitors back.

An alternative perspective is that as a local, I like having my city full of things that interest me. When vacation time rolls around, I travel to places that have things we don't.

Maybe it's time we worked on having the best of both worlds.

[linclink]

Hey Dave,

Let me just say this... one of the things we loved about Nashville is the fact that it has alot of culture.... the civil war museums, belle meade plantation, etc, etc... and now with that great symphony hall... wow!!! You know what suprised us most when we got there?? The fact that there's so much more to Nashville than country music... I just think that people need to find that out. And having some family friendly high-quality attractions certainly wouldn't hurt in changing peoples perception... nor would it hurt the pocket books

As for this:

I'll be a cheerleader for it. I'll skip the short skirt.

please do!!!

[doormanpoet]

The radar is failing fast. I hear Tony is having trouble getting interest. Don't count on this one yet.

[nashvol85]

I really wouldn't mind if he scaled this down to about 450-600 feet. I didn't really like the design a whole lot...I hope he changes it and resubmits the idea with a shorter, more stout tower.

[cheeriokid61]

Would it be a completely different design if he scaled down a bit? And how much scaling down would "a bit" be?

[doormanpoet]

The amount of floors for apartments would be eliminated, and the hotel portion would be left out, although some boutique hotel chains are interested. He said in the presentation that the first goals would be getting a tenant for 12 stories of office, and approximately 20 floors of condos and street level for retail. That is about 33 floors or about 450-500 feet.

[cheeriokid61]

That's not bad.

[vinemp]

I wonder if such an imposing structure as Signature Towers would complement Nashville's already lovely skyline. I've always thought Downtown all the more attractive because of its lack of excessively tall buildings.

Think of it: D.C. has restrictions on the height of buildings. If you ask me, zoning laws have made the architectural developments in our Capital all the more imaginative and inviting to the eye. Another lovely city, San Francisco, has a downtown who's buildings all seem to vie for attention. Already, the Batman Building is to Nashville what the Transamerica Building is to San Francisco--dominating with panache.

I would like to see what designers could do to augment Nashville's Downtown style without disturbing the artistry that's already present.

[doormanpoet]

I think you are right, but Signature will lead to other buildings of the same size. I do believe with the need for larger floor plates, height will be an issue. For example. The Bellsouth at 33 floors and 660 feet with spire was built for $70 million and sold for $100 million and then leased back. Bellsouth received a $400,000 tax break for building in a historic district.

The new Suntrust Plaza will cost $75 milllion for 13 floors! It is amazing how expensive construction costs are now 11 years later.

Cost is always an issue.