An iconic music venue in Nashville is facing the threat of closure due to a significant increase in property taxes—a move the mayor has described as purely a business decision.
Acme Feed and Seed, a historic establishment, originally opened its doors as a seed store in 1943. It ceased operations in 1999, leaving the building vacant for 15 years until Tom Morales revitalized it as a live music venue in 2014.
This venue has become a cornerstone of the old Nashville vibe, delivering a taste of Southern charm through its rooftop bar, dance lessons, and live performances from local musicians.
However, the future of this beloved brick building hangs in the balance unless city officials intervene, Morales explained in an interview with Fox 17 Nashville.
“Our property tax jumped from $129,000 a year to $600,000 a year,” Morales said, emphasizing, “That’s more than our rent and net profit combined.”
He further commented, “We can’t pay it. It’s punitive.”
He’s asked Mayor Freddie O’Connell for a meeting to discuss getting help to save the historic building, but has yet to hear back.
The Democrat politician told Fox 17 Nashville that it wasn’t ‘up to me whether he keeps that business open.’
The Acme Feed and Seed first opened in 1943 before closing in 1999. After it sat vacant for 15 years, Tom Morales reopened it 2014
The restaurant and music venue is known for promoting local artists, and does not allow cover bands
‘The market evolves. New businesses start, even as beloved old businesses close,’ he said.
The mayor’s passiveness irked Morales, who said: ‘I’ve spent 40 years doing something for this city, and I can’t even get a meeting.’
But the comments irked not only Morales, who has helped save Nashville landmarks such as the Loveless Cafe and the Woolworth Building, but also Councilman Jacob Kupin, whose district includes downtown.
‘To hear the mayor, who represented this district for eight years and should understand more than most the trials and tribulations that these places and people face, [to] flippantly disregard the concerns is disappointing and appalling,’ Kupin told the Daily Mail.
‘To hear him say that he is not responsible for a business, keeping their doors open, and that if an established business closes, a new business will take its place tells Nashvillians that he doesn’t care about our culture and foundation.’
He went on to say he hoped the mayor would ‘reconsider his position’ and strive to help businesses keep their doors open, especially those helping local musicians to find success is Music City.
The Acme doesn’t allow cover bands to perform at their venue, but rather lets local artists get their time on stage.
‘We must do something before it is too late,’ Kupin said. ‘We can’t lose what has made Nashville the “it” city so many want to come to.’
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But now, Morales may have to close the Acme, as his property taxes went from $129,000 to $600,000. ‘We can’t pay it. It’s punitive,’ he said
He requested a meeting with Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who hasn’t responded to him. The mayor told local news that wasn’t ‘up to me whether he keeps that business open’
Councilman Jacob Kupin, whose district oversees downtown Nashville, told the Daily Mail that he hopes the mayor changes his position. He said the mayor’s ‘flippant disregard’ was ‘disappointing and appalling’
Tourists visiting Music City put Acme on their list as it’s a place to listen to world-class musicians before they make it big.
It’s a representation of what Nashville was and carries the quintessential history.
It’s not a tourist trap with $20 drinks, but rather proudly displays signs advertising $3 beers, $5 frosés, and $6 shots.
‘The way we survive as a city is embracing what is authentic,’ Morales told Fox 17 Nashville. ‘Tourists see through make-believe. They see a $17 drink and think “tourist trap.”‘
He added: ‘There are towns across America that wish they were Music City — and we’re trying to be Las Vegas. Why?’
Kupin is working with several agencies to try to find tax relief for businesses, including state lawmakers to identify relief options.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Morales and O’Connell for comment.
The Acme’s building was built in 1890 by JR Whitemore, and was originally a grocery store.
The place is also known for its cheap drinks, with $3 beers and $6 shots. It prides itself on not being a tourist trap
A local band plays at the Acme. ‘We must do something before it is too late,’ Kupin told the Daily Mail. ‘We can’t lose what has made Nashville the “it” city so many want to come to’
Over the years, the space has hosted many businesses, from a soda company to a flour company and now the restaurant and music venue it is today.
In 1943, Curry L. Turner moved his business, Acme Feed & Hatchery, which remained in operation for 56 years.
When it reopened in 2014, the four-story building became an entertainment space with 28 beers on tap. It also houses Acme Radio Live, which champions the local music scene, and a restaurant.
