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Stepping onto legendary Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee, you’re immediately enveloped in the buzzing energy of live music and tourism. It’s a vibrant scene, steeped in history, particularly the commercial warehouses built with heavy timber and load-bearing masonry that once defined the area. How, then, do you design a new four-story restaurant in this historic context, making a fresh statement while paying homage to the past and reflecting the personality of a Nashville native like Jelly Roll?
The answer lies in a thoughtful application of mass timber. For Jelly Roll's Goodnight Nashville, mass timber wasn't just a structural system; it was a deliberate design choice, offering a contemporary nod to those historic heavy timber warehouses while showcasing the advancements of this renewable construction type.
We find this project details a four-story building, encompassing 31,290 square feet. Completed in 2024, it stands as an Assembly building, specifically noted as a restaurant. The construction type is listed as IV-HT, utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glue-Laminated Timber (GLT or glulam) as material types. This blend of materials creates what the project description calls an "interesting dichotomy". There's a warmth inherent in the mass timber structure itself, juxtaposed with an industrial, almost rebellious, material palette. It’s a balance that seems perfectly suited for a "love letter to his hometown and the lively music scene" from Jelly Roll, a space described as a "rustic, tattoo-themed bar".
Imagine yourself approaching the building. A portal of light seems to draw you in. Upon entering the double-height space, you're greeted by a large rotating skull – a unique focal point nestled within this inviting interior. The mass timber, combined with a palette of simple, durable materials, contributes to this warm and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by large floor-to-floor heights.
Navigating the space is made intuitive by an open stair. This stair isn't just for vertical circulation; it's a guide, directing patrons to either a two-tiered mezzanine offering a "birds-eye view of live music below" or upward to experience the excitement on the floors above. This open design encourages exploration and interaction within the building.
One of the most striking features mentioned is the top level. Here, garage doors open up to a rooftop terrace. This design creates flexible indoor/outdoor space, allowing everyone to experience Nashville's energy and, reportedly, "jaw-dropping skyline views from up top," as it's noted as featuring one of the highest rooftops in Music City. It’s these elements—the blend of materials, the open layout, the connection to the outside, that contribute to the unique character of Goodnight Nashville.
The project is described as more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s intended to be an experience where music, culture, and hospitality converge. It is made of cross laminated timber and glulam, has 4 stories, is 31,290 ft², and built in 2024.
Les Corieri, co-owner of Evening Entertainment Group, captured this sentiment, stating, “Goodnight Nashville is more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s an experience where music, culture, and hospitality meet. Nashville has always been a vibrant city of energy and creativity, and we’re excited to be part of that spirit, bringing something new to the scene”. The space has also been highlighted on Channel 2, showcasing Jelly Roll’s personal connection to the city woven throughout the interior. One report even simply described it as "a gorgeous space dedicated to jelly roll". - Channel 2
Ultimately, Jelly Roll's Goodnight Nashville stands as an intriguing project on Lower Broadway. It’s a demonstration of how mass timber can be integrated into a historically sensitive urban fabric while creating a contemporary, character-driven space. By blending the warmth of wood with an industrial aesthetic and incorporating engaging architectural features, the design team has created a space that aims to capture the spirit of both Nashville and the artist it celebrates. It’s a testament to the evolving capabilities of mass timber and its potential to shape unique, inviting experiences in the heart of bustling city centers.
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