Landmarks Suffer Significant Damage Due to Nashville Flooding, 5/4

The flooding in downtown Nashville, TN has caused destruction of three monumental art centers: The Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry House, and Gaylord Opryland Hotel have all reported significant damage as of Monday, May 3.

The $123.5 million Schermerhorn Symphony Center, home to the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, is a fairly new addition (opened in 2006). Caused by the overflow of the nearby Cumberland River, their biggest losses include a $2.5 million organ, two grand pianos, and a destroyed basement. Over eight feet of water poured into the basement; destroying the Fortunately, Ryman Auditorium was left untouched, which the center is considering as a venue option for upcoming Symphony events.

Due to the flooding of The Schermerhorn Symphony Center, status of upcoming events remains uncertain. The Symphony is working to assess The Situation, and further details will be made public in the coming days. Further information will be provided on the website: www.nashvillesymphony.org/ 

The $37 million Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is also closed due to five feet of water in one of its mechanical rooms. However, according to spokeswoman Liz Theils, exhibits were left untouched. For more information, visit http://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/

 

Gaylord Opryland Hotel and the Grand Ole Opry House are under 10 feet of water. The hotel is still trying to determine the cost of damage. Although most rooms are still in good condition, common areas are destroyed. Similar the the center, the hotel may take months before reopening. It is too early to assess the monetary damage, but it could be months before the hotel is restored. Visit http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland for more information.

 

The devastating weekend storm continues to affect those in South, especially Tennessee. According to Governor Phil Bredesen, the Nashville flood is expected to be classified as a federal disaster.