December 5, 2012

It is the largest public building project in Nashville history.
   
We're giving you a rare glimpse inside the new Music City Center.

For  more than two and a half years we've watched the Music City Center rise from the ground.

While the outside of the building is mostly finished, the big changes are happening inside..

For weeks now workers have been installing carpet over giant floor spaces.

Design details now stand out, which give us a view of a truly unique building.

The Music City Center isn't just an achievement in design, it's purpose is to attract conventions.
   
There are 60 meetings rooms and an incredible 350,000 square foot exhibition hall.

"It is actually the same size as a Nimitz class aircraft carrier," says Holly McCall with the Music City Center.

It's a room large enough to handle some of the largest groups, including the National Rifle Association in 2015.

Just above the hall, the convention center's grand ballroom has walls shaped like the sides of a guitar.

"That design is reflected all the way through the building, and this is the next level below the roof," says McCall.

There is a stage in the grand ballroom, and you can easily imagine the biggest names in music and politics standing there.

Workers have already begun final cleaning on certain areas of the building.
   
The 6th Avenue tunnel underneath the center opens on February 1st.

"This will be a two way street underneath the building open to public traffic," says McCall.

Meanwhile, next door construction continues on the Omni Hotel, and an addition to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
   
"I think this was a catalyst to really start some more redevelopment of the whole Sobro and downtown area," says McCall.

The Music City Center is changing downtown even before it opens.

Construction on the Music City Center is nearing the homestretch.
       
The grand opening is set for May 19th.
     
Mayor Karl Dean says the project remains on schedule and on budget.

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