Nashville's Got A Brand New Bag

Until now, I have been exclusively residential in my design projects with a goal of someday working on a commercial space. So you can imagine my excitement when I was asked to get on board with the owners of Marathon Music Works to help transform the historical building into a new music & events venue for Nashville. Getting to combine my two passions, design and music, is truly a dream come true for me and I'm thrilled to have gotten the chance to contribute to Nashville in this way. Let's take a peek!

Nashville is known for their musicians. But smart and affordable design is what I am known for, so let's see how this old warehouse building has been transformed into a cool place for musicians and music lovers. What better way to give back to the commuinty than to add another playground for them. Locally owned and operated, Marathon Music Works is located in Marathon Village just minutes from downtown.

Not only is it a phenomenal mid-sized music venue that Nashville needs, but Marathon also is now cool enough to host all sorts of events!

Here are some mid-demolition pics of the space:

Originally built in the early 1900’s as an automobile engine factory the building features rich character and charm - these elements were preserved to enhance the uniquness of the space.

In designing the venue, I started with their logo. I wanted their brand to be represented throughout the entire space. Black, white, and a hint of Belle Meade Green were the key ingredients to refurbishing this warehouse into its already natural state of beauty with adding a twist of posh modernity.

(taken during the week of opening so things were still being put in place)

High gloss black paint was used for the bars to bring a polished look and balance to the rustic exposed brick and other building elements. We went with a custom poured concrete counter top that is perfect for a neutral, durable element.

I converted these great iron baskets into pendants for over the bars, by turning them upside down. Perfect scale, material, & look for the venue. We used an edison bulb and hung them by black boating rope - I love them. Thanks Jeff for making these work!

The power of repetition is a strong and effective statement when designing a space. It brings a sense of unity & cohesiveness, so I repeated the custom pendants on each bar.

All of the walls were also painted high gloss black for a clean, polished, and modernized look. It works well and juxtaposes the raw natural elements of the building

Over one of the bars, hangs two massive mirrors that Telisha, one of the owners, & I personally antiqued (nothing like a DIY project to save on budget)! These mirrors are HEAVY, and I'm pretty sure I was hated when the boys were hanging them - but they look great! It was process to say the least . . .

They are hung by industrial chain from the ceiling rafters and tilted at an angle for a cool effect. Thank you Greg and the boys from Consolidated Builders for making this happen for us - you know you love those mirrors.

In keeping with the logo- we used the classic combination of black and white throughout the space and in the restrooms.

In the bathrooms, I used restaurant stainless steel tables with stainless drop-in sinks. Very durable and easy on our budget.

Again black and white is a killer contrast that is so dramatic.

In one set of restrooms, I was challenged with existing fluorescent lights. I KNOW . . . there is nothing more horrible to me than flourescent lighting. To fix this issue we used a blue gel/filter to give off a cool light and vibe.

And it totally works!

At the entrance of the venue I had a custom iron chandelier made 3X the size of the bar pendants to again create a sense of cohesiveness. The bigger the better, especially when dealing with such a large scaled space.

A local artist painted the "M" logo onto the existing brick wall. We had it lit by a spot to give the space another layer of lighting for added drama and dimension.

Warren Haynes kicked off the opening night this past Tuesday. The crowd was great with over 800 people in attendance. The venue can hold 1,500 at standing capacity.

There isn't a bad spot in the whole venue to view the band!

He played "A Change Is Gonna Come" and I had a moment. It was such an incredible project to work on and the people I worked for are amazing!

Warren even gave a shout out in regards to the antiqued hanging mirrors.

Me, Telisha- one of the owners, & Bryn- a dear friend & also part of the MMW team on opening night.

Nashville's got a brand new bag so make sure to check it out!

The grand opening is this Saturday featuring Wanda Jackson- The First Lady of Rockabilly and America's first female Rock and Roll singer. The Mayor will be introducing Wanda as well as performances by The Black Belles, of Third Man Records, & DJ Johny Jackson. It should be a great night! Buy your tickets here.

Getting to design this space introduced me to a whole new spectrum of work. It was such an amazing experience for me and I can't wait for my next commercial project.

xx,

Chelsea

{resources: All photos taken on my iPhone}

marathonmusicworks.com

Comments

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SO proud of you Chelsea! Awesome work, you are SO incredibly talented! xoxo MM

Posted by: Mary Margaret Thiel | 17 November 2011 at 09:21 PM

I have seen very creative blog post here. Being a graphic designer i would like to thanks for this great stuff. Brilliant post!

Posted by: Online Logo Design | 18 November 2011 at 03:32 AM

AWESOME Chels!!!

Posted by: Ann Ackley | 18 November 2011 at 08:08 AM

Awesome job, Chelsea! I am SO proud of you!
Robin

Posted by: Robin Frazer Clark | 18 November 2011 at 09:18 AM

Are you kidding me Chels!? This is amazing!! Next time I come to Nashvegas we are going there! The lighting was brilliant. So proud of you!!

Posted by: JoAnna | 18 November 2011 at 11:08 AM

Superb! Heard you also did an amazing job on the custom bars! Could we see some up close pics of the bars?

Posted by: Chantal | 18 November 2011 at 12:19 PM

looks great chelsea - congrats!

Posted by: Scott Troxel | 18 November 2011 at 12:32 PM

AMAZING!! I love it! I need to go see it in person. So proud of you!

Posted by: Holanola | 18 November 2011 at 02:07 PM

Chelsea....
Wow, what talent you possess !!
I am amazed at how you transformed old, drab, boring ,depressing and nearly forgotten Marathon into a vibrant,interesting, soon to be popular and unique music venue !!

Yea Chelsea !! I bet even Salem and Trey are proud !!!

Put in for raise... use my name !!!!!!!!

Cheers to you !!

Big George

Posted by: George Armistead | 18 November 2011 at 03:44 PM