Starwood Proposal Headed For Planning Commission

NASHVILLE, TN -- A Franklin investor's $100 million plan to redevelop the 65-acre Starwood Amphitheater property goes before the Metro Planning Commission Feb. 22.

Ron Buck's plan calls for 200 townhomes, 150 senior housing units, 200 loft apartments along with retail and office space. The property will also include a four-acre park and a small amphitheater designed for acoustic performances.

From 1986 until the opening of what is now Bridgestone Arena in 1998, the 17,000-plus-seater Starwood was the city's top venue, but the aging and increasingly outdated amphitheater struggled to compete before owner LiveNation announced its closure in 2006 and demolition of its infrastructure one year later. First purchased by Vastland shortly thereafter, which planned a huge multi-use project, it was taken over by Orange Murfreesboro in a friendly foreclosure. Buck bought the land for $2.1 million in March 2017.

In the year since, Buck has been conducting community meetings in an effort to bolster his chances for approval.

If the planning commission gives its OK, the Metro Council will give its final imprimatur. Buck hopes to begin construction in six months to a year.

Image via United States Geologic Survey