CMT News

A Nashville judge on Friday (Feb. 12) ordered the founder of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum to move the operation from its current location in downtown Nashville to make way for a $585 million convention center. In ruling in favor of the Metro Development and Housing Authority, Judge Barbara Haynes is requiring Musicians Hall of Fame founder Joe Chambers to move everything out of the building he owns on Sixth Avenue South within seven days. Government officials claim the property is needed for the construction of the Music City Center, a complex intended to attract conventions to Nashville. The MDHA has reportedly offered $4.8 million for Chambers' property, but he says it would cost almost $9 million to relocate the museum. Following Friday's court ruling, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said in a statement, "The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is an important entity that serves to recognize the talent that has given Nashville our name as Music City. While the value of the property is a legal issue the court system will decide, the city has been and will continue to do everything possible to help Mr. Chambers find a viable new location for his business." The museum, which opened in 2006, is located near the Sommet Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.