NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Groundbreaking was held Tuesday for a new hotel in downtown Nashville.
Developers broke ground on the 14-story Hyatt Place hotel. White Lodging and Host Hotels are building the hotel and using the Hyatt brand.
The Hyatt Place will put 255 more hotel rooms in the downtown area.
"The location couldn't be better. Here in the heart of the city. Not only do we stand within a block of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and soon to be Music City Center, but also walking distance within dozens of restaurants," said Gill Lapeire with White Lodging.
The hotel is being built on Third Avenue after developers bought the building where Rock City Machine Company was located. The company, which specializes in pumps and water treatment equipment, moved to the Thompson Lane area. It took two months to move thousands of parts.
Owner Gilbert Lovell said his family ran the company downtown for more than 100 years.
"It's been weird to see it be torn down after being there ever since I was a child. So, but it's exciting too," Lovell said. "That's what needs to be downtown. Convention centers and hotels, and we're out here doing what we do."
Lovell was not forced to move because of the convention center, but voluntarily sold the property six months ago.
The Hyatt is expected to open late next year.
Music City Center is scheduled to open next April.
