Future of State Fairgrounds Discussed-Sky Arnold

It's looking more and more like the state fair may be moving.

Developers presented their proposals Wednesday night for the future of the fairgrounds land in South Nashville.

Of th e 10 plans presented, only one includes keeping the fair at its current location.

Developers with four of those ten plans are presented them Wednesday night.

Each includes drastically changing the face of the fairgrounds to attract people and money to a place that hasn't seen enough of either.

Imagine a place where television programs and movies are produced here in Nashville.

That's the concept behind Browns Creek Media Village.

Alex Marks from the company says, "I'm originally from California, people are leaving there in droves because of higher taxes and the cost of doing business, Tennessee is now competitive."

The plan is one of four being presented for the fair grounds, including one that mixes residential and business development with a 6,000 seat ampitheatre.

Jiim Cheney from Legion Park Development says, "We were looking for something that was a lot more intimate and manageable like a Ryman as opposed to a large stadium, I think it fits better with the character what it is."

Both of those plans would require the fair board to find another location for the fair, a plan called Wedgewood would give Nashville 200 acres to move it to Bordeaux in return for the fairgrounds plan.

Rob Lowe with Wedgewood Partners says, "They're the jobs today that we don't really have a good option for, and tend to be leaving Davidson County. If you look at our proposal we are anchoring it with 60% office space."

Finally there is the Tennessee Motorsports Conservancy, a plan to renovate the Speedway, build a baseball stadium and allow the fair to continue there.

Joe Mattioli with Tennessee Motorsports Conservancy says,
"We're the only option that says we're gonna pay you, and then give you back your facility to use 10 days a year. You don't have to build a new one you got a beautiful one right here."

The city has hired a consultant to look at all the plans, including the six that were not presented Wednesday night.

He's expected to give the fair board a recommendation on what to do with the land in September or October.

Whatever plan is ultimately selected will have to be approved by Metro Council.
Future of State Fairgrounds Discussed-Sky Arnold