In the spring of 1987, there was a group that wanted to put a glass “bubble” over a section of downtown Nashville.

The exact location of the development would’ve been between Commerce Street and Broadway. It would also have run from Fifth Avenue N. down to the alley between Third and Second Avenue.

A big part of this plan was to renovate the Ryman Auditorium and have the area around it transformed into green space that also had restaurants, retail shops and an entertainment center. A residential area, office space and a hotel were also considered.

Thanks to WKRN for sharing this story in the last few years. I didn’t remember this plan but it would’ve been interesting to see how it changed the city. Would it have changed the downtown area even sooner or would it have the same problems that plagued Fountain Square?

What are your thoughts on this idea?