Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel to Revitalize Commerce Street Park and Add Fire Station in Nashville
Dolly Parton’s upcoming SongTeller Hotel is taking another step forward with plans to revitalize Commerce Street Park, located next to the hotel at 211 Commerce St. and 120 Third Ave. N. The project, through Parton’s PNH Properties LLC, involves a long-term lease agreement with Metro Nashville, promising significant upgrades to the park as well as a new fire station for the city.
Under the proposed agreement, PNH Properties would lease Commerce Street Park for 30 years, with two 10-year renewal options. The company would fund an estimated $2–2.5 million in park renovations, creating a more inviting public space with planters, colorful accents, seating areas, and photo opportunities. Plans also include the addition of a gift shop and elevator, enhancing accessibility and visitor experience.
In exchange, PNH Properties will provide 2,155 square feet of hotel parking garage space to Metro for rent-free use as a fire station. The new facility will feature a supervisor office, open office area, conference room, break room, locker rooms, storage, and six dedicated parking spaces. Estimated build-out costs for the fire station are around $1 million, all covered by PNH Properties.
“This project is designed to be very inviting,” said Savannah Wexler, project manager for AOA, during the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation meeting on September 2. “Dolly has increased the budget to make the park more colorful and enjoyable. She loves Nashville and wants people to fully utilize this space while also benefiting the community with the new fire station.”
The lease agreement has already been approved by the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation and passed its first reading at the Metro Council meeting on September 2. The second reading is scheduled for October 9, followed by a third and final vote.
Parton, through PNH Properties LLC, purchased the property at 211 Commerce St. for $75 million in December 2023. The 12-story SongTeller Hotel, a partnership with Herschend Enterprises, is set to open in 2026. The hotel will feature Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, an entertainment venue, and on-site dining, further solidifying its place as a major Nashville attraction.
With this project, Dolly Parton continues to invest in Nashville’s community and culture, creating spaces that are both functional and visually engaging for residents and visitors alike.
