Nashville Downtown Partnership and The DISTRICT Light Up Historic 2nd Avenue
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As of March 10, at 6:00 p.m., historic 2nd Avenue will look a little lighter and a little brighter, when the flick of a switch will illuminate 22 trees, between Broadway and Commerce Street. This ceremonial effort figuratively and literally launches a new look and foretells bright days ahead after the explosion in the early hours of Christmas Day, 2020. The explosion damaged some of the city's beloved architectural landmarks, displaced 400 downtown residents, displaced 54 businesses, and caused economic injury through job loss for 1,200 downtown employees.
“After the most difficult year in Nashville’s history, bright lights and warm hospitality are ready to greet everyone who visits Music City,” said Mayor John Cooper. “As we work together to shape the future of Second Avenue, I’m grateful to the Downtown Partnership, the District and our business owners for helping us revitalize this historic neighborhood. The lights on Second Avenue represent more than progress we’ve made – it’s a symbol of our commitment to build back stronger and better than ever.”
Betsy Williams, a longtime resident and business owner of historic 2nd Avenue, says “This is an important step in our city’s healing, and shows that Nashville is a community of strength, generosity, and brightness that is unrivaled. In my opinion, this avenue has been deserving of these festive, beautiful lights for many years. And now lighting up the avenue in this moment sends a new, more important message: ‘Downtown Nashville is unbeatable, and we will rise with light and love again and again: Join us.’”
The lights are a project underwritten by the Nashville Downtown Partnership and The DISTRICT, Inc., in partnership with Metro Public Works. Shanna Whitelaw, Interim Director of Public Works, says, “Metro Public Works is excited to be a partner on this 2nd Avenue street lighting pilot project. We know how important this corridor is to maintaining a vibrant downtown, and we’re happy to work with these partners to facilitate enhancements to the public right-of-way.” The collaboration is one of many to come, as public and private partners work together with stakeholders in the ongoing efforts to reimagine, restore, and revitalize historic second Avenue.
Second avenue residents, businesses and stakeholders are invited to socially distance and enjoy the newly lit block at 6:00 p.m. this evening. Ms. Williams will join representatives from the Nashville Downtown Partnership and The DISTRICT to "flick the switch" at approximately this time.
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About the Nashville Downtown Partnership
Organized in 1994, the Nashville Downtown Partnership is a private-sector nonprofit corporation and membership organization whose core purpose is “to make Downtown Nashville the compelling urban center in the Southeast in which to LIVE, WORK, PLAY and INVEST.” The Nashville Downtown Partnership works to advance the downtown experience for residents, employees, businesses and visitors alike. From its Clean and Safe teams to effective collaboration with public and private leaders to identify and implement resources that serve all of downtown, the Nashville Downtown Partnership enhances Nashville’s economic vitality and manages sustainable growth. For more information, visit nashvilledowntown.com.
About The DISTRICT, Inc.
The DISTRICT, Inc., is a 501C3 non-profit corporation dedicated to the economic and community revitalization of three historic districts and their contiguous areas in downtown Nashville - Broadway, Second Avenue/Riverfront, and Printers Alley, collectively known as The DISTRICT.