Proposed Convention Center Puts Musical Sanctuary In Jeopardy

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The proposed billion dollar convention center project could cause the demise of a number of businesses where the center could be built. Owners of the Musicians Hall of Fame believe they're getting a raw deal from the city.

If the convention center is built, 14 businesses will be impacted, and the city is trying to strike a deal with business owners.

The Musicians Hall of Fame and other business sit right in the spot where the city wants to build a new convention center and hotel. Early attempts to included the Hall of Fame inside the new project fell flat.

"In the beginning, they were talking about including us in the building, now they are saying we are going to give you some money, and good luck," said producer Allen Reynolds.

The Hall of Fame rejected the city's offer, claiming it wasn't enough for them to re-locate.

"The offer wasn't accepted, they decided to go and take the property, and they have to be out by early January," said guitarist Chris Leuzinger.

There's the real possibility this place could close for good.

"As far as we know the convention center isn't even a done deal yet, and they already have plans to tear down the buildings in this whole area," said Leuzinger.

Business is business, but Hall of Fame owners believe what could happen is a slap in the face to the people who have made it possible for Nashville's nickname.

"These are the people who have made it possible for us to claim the title Music City," said Reynolds.

The Metropolitan Housing, Development Agency is the group that is dealing with the Musicians Hall of Fame and owner Joe Chambers.

MHDA sent NewsChannel 5 a statement: "We will do everything we can to find a relocation that's successful for the museum and the city. Nothing has been settled because financing and design have not been completed, but we will continue to negotiate with Mr. Chambers. "

Support for the proposed new convention center continues to grow. Tuesday the Tennessee Titans announced it's throwing its support behind the project. Team leaders call it an opportunity to expand their fan base.