The Basement East Could Reopen by Year’s End

The East Nashville building home to The Basement East will be rehabbed following major damage suffered during the early March tornado, which hit almost five years to the day of the popular live music venue’s opening.

Located at 917 Woodland St., the modernist structure — constructed in 1974 and recognized for its distinctive arched elements — saw its back and west walls collapse due to the violent storm. Similarly, a major segment of the roof was destroyed, spurring some to wonder if the building might have to fully razed.

Dave Brown, who co-owns The Basement East with Mike Grimes, said the hope is to reopen before year’s end. April 22 was to have been the venue’s five-year anniversary.

"Thankfully we were able to salvage the main floor and front facade of the building, which will enable us to rebuild much faster than anticipated," says Brown.

Sometimes referred to as “The Beast,” the roughly 475-person capacity venue has hosted artists such as John Prine, New Found Glory, Cage the Elephant, Alice Cooper, Larkin Poe, The Hold Steady, Todd Snider, Those Darlins and Kris Kristofferson.

Brown said The Basement East had employed, prior to its tornado-forced closing, 35 part- and full-time workers. The business gave its employees a severance package and is holding open their jobs for the future re-opening.

A Goodlettsville entity owns the 0.38-acre property, with a previous iteration having owned the property since at least 1974, according to Metro records. The rehab job will be allowed via a permit valued at $710,000. Thomas L. Anderson Architect Inc., also based in Goodlettsville, is participating in the effort, the permit notes.

This article previously appeared at our sister publication Nashville Post.