Jackson helps develop Lower Broadway complex

Tom Morales and primary partners Jackson, former Country music Association head Steve Moore, George Boedecker and country music publicist Nancy Russell joined forces to convert the Acme Building into three floors and a rooftop patio into separate Nashville themes with music, food, drinks and shopping.

The revitalization of Acme will be a gateway for Lower Broadway, connecting the downtown area with the Riverfront and welcoming visitors from the East Side via the Shelby Street Bridge. Jackson and partners will keep the name, feel and basic layout of Acme the same, honoring the Acme's place on the National Historic Register by renovating it to the required historic standards. The partners are working with Tuck-Hinton, the architects for the Music City Center, Frist Center, and Country Music Hall of Fame, and Crane Constructions for this project.

The first floor will provide a modern honky tonk and restaurant for locals and tourists alike, offering gourmet, fast-casual fare with live music, cocktails and local craft beer on tap. The second floor will feature an upscale bar/lounge with craft spirits and lounge seating, providing a space on Broadway where Nashville locals and upscale travelers can socialize. The third floor will be home to the largest one-level event and music venue on Broadway, hosting pre-programmed music series, catered events and concerts. It will be available year-round for music showcases and event rentals. The fourth floor of the Acme Building will be a rooftop patio that overlooks the entire downtown area, with direct views of Broadway and the Riverfront.

Morales began his journey in the restaurant business more than 25 years ago, founding Tomkats catering in 1986, growing it from a backstage concert caterer to a multifaceted food service and event company. TomKats' catering resume includes more than 1,200 concerts, festivals like Bonnaroo, LPGA golf events, disaster relief catering as a life support unit for the Army Corps during Hurricane Katrina, and on-location catering services for more than 1,000 movies.

Russell is a creative consultant and investor. A native of San Diego, Russell was a writer and photographer before moving to Nashville. After founding and helming an entertainment PR firm in the city, she turned her talents to artist management, working most notably with Jackson, Loretta Lynn and the Broadway-bound musical "Coal Miner's Daughter." Russell was responsible for pairing Jack White with Lynn for the Grammy-winning album, "Van Lear Rose..."

Boedecker is the principal founder and creative force behind Crocs, Inc., where he served on the board of directors and as their Chief Executive Officer 2002-2004.