Ben Folds And Nashville Music Row: Studio A's Future Looks Bleak After Inspection Reports Released

Depending on which Nashville publication you read, Studio A on Music Row might still have a chance at survival.

On Friday, developer Tim Reynolds provided local media with paid-for inspection reports that showed the poor condition of the building at 30 Music Square West, according to the Nashville Tennessean.

If the inspection reports are accurate, the building needs a new HVAC system, reinforced walls, a new fire alarm and sprinkler system and reconfigured bathrooms, staircases and other elements to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Tennessean focused on the possibility that Reynolds might salvage the building's history.

"There is no question many legendary studio recordings came to life within the walls of Studio A and that those performances are worthy of commemoration; as such, our architects, advisors and designers are confident that there are many creative ways to memorialize these events," Reynolds said. "Again, we know there are many people who share our appreciation for Nashville's music-rich history. We want to take the right 'next step' with this property with careful consideration of its current condition and limitations."

But late Friday night, musician Ben Folds — Studio A's current tenant until his November lease runs out — tweeted out a link to a Nashville Scene story that includes damning evidence from Bravo Development.

The Scene received an extra report from Bravo Development, and published the following:

In response to Reynolds' inquiries about preserving the studio alone, the report also specifically addresses its structural weaknesses and likely inability to withstand surrounding construction.

Based on these findings, Bravo Development has concluded that it is not structurally or financially feasible for it to recondition 30 Music Square West. Reynolds said the cost of renovating the building would far outbalance any reasonable rates the developer could ask from the market for the space. The age and condition of the building have long created challenges for past management when leasing the property. He is now determining next steps for the property.

Reynolds has approached various cultural institutions about their interest in helping salvage the few elements of Studio A that are under Bravo Development's ownership. He hopes to have further information on that front in the coming days. He is also looking at ways to commemorate the Studio's history as part of any development.

When Folds learned of a pending Studio A sale earlier this year, he began a #SaveMusicRow movement in order to preserve much of Nashville's storied music history.

But extreme rent increases led him to decide that he will move out when his lease is up in November. Now, the fate of Studio A's historic building (which includes several thousand square feet of office space) is in Reynolds' hands.

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