Legislative Plaza
Public space and building in Nashville, Tennessee, United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Legislative Plaza, also known as War Memorial Plaza, is an outdoor public space and subterranean office complex in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. The open-air space is located next to the War Memorial Building, and is separated from the James K. Polk State Office Building, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and Rachel Jackson State Office Building by 6th Avenue. The plaza is situated adjacent to the Tennessee State Capitol to the north, and is considered part of the state capitol complex and an extension of the capitol grounds.[1] Three levels of office space and parking decks are located beneath the plaza, and are connected to the state capitol building via underground tunnels.
| Legislative Plaza | |
|---|---|
 Interactive map of Legislative Plaza | |
| Type | Plaza, subterranean building |
| Location | 301 6th Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee, United States |
| Coordinates | 36.164664°N 86.7836936°W |
| Created | 1974 |
| Operated by | State of Tennessee |
| Open | Year-round |
Legislative Plaza was constructed between 1971 and 1975 to meet the demands for the growing state government, and replaced an older outdoor plaza. A renovation of the structure began in 2023, and is expected to be completed in 2027. Additional memorials have been constructed on the site since its opening, and the plaza is a popular site for public events and political gatherings, demonstrations, and protests.[2]
Description
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Legislative plaza is a rectangular plaza located in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, slight above or below ground. It is bounded by the War Memorial Building on the west, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on the north, 6th Avenue on the east, and Union Street on the south. It is oriented in a roughly north-northwest to south-south east direction. A short downward staircase provides access to the plaza on the north end from MLK Boulevard and a pedestrian crosswalk across this street to the main entrance of the state capitol. On the south end, a short upward staircase provides access from Union Street. A longer upward staircase provides access to the plaza from 6th Avenue across from an intersection with Deaderick Street. A wide pedestrian bridge connects the plaza to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and James K. Polk Building across 6th Avenue. Retaining walls support the plaza above the grade of 6th Avenue and Union Street; On the north end, the plaza is slightly below grade. The west side of the plaza consists of a wide pedestrian walkway. The front of the War Memorial Building is accessible by a wide staircase approximately midway along this side. A narrow strip of the plaza extends between the south end of the War Memorial Building and Union Street. This contains a memorial to Tennesseans who died in the Vietnam War. The east side of the plaza contains memorials to Tennesseans who died in the Korean War and the War on Terror.[3]
The plaza has a two large square fountains; one on the northeast side, and another just south of the midpoint on the east side. The northeast and southeast corners of the plaza are surrounded by large planters, and additional parts of the plaza are landscaped. The memorials are located on the east side of the plaza near the fountains and landscaping. Near the southeast corner of the plaza, the top level is open to the ground below, and this is accessible from a staircase to the top level and from 6th Avenue. The below-grade portion of the structure consists of three levels. The first level, which is partially below grade, contains office spaces for state legislators and other government officials. Additional rooms are provided for committee hearings. Below this is a two-level parking structure. This structure is accessible from 6th Avenue. A tunnel connects the office space to the Tennessee State Capitol. Another tunnel and elevator connects to the War Memorial Building.[3]
History
When the War Memorial Building was built from 1925 to 1927, an open area consisting of a courtyard and fountain was built to the east. This became known as "Victory Square", "Victory Plaza", "Memorial Square", "War Memorial Plaza", and other names. In 1958, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce was asked to survey the site for a potential redevelopment called "Presidential Plaza".[4] As the state government grew in the mid-to-latter 20th century, additional office space was constructed in the area.[5] The redevelopment of the original plaza was planned for many years, and in 1969 drew criticism from the American Legion Post 5 and Veterans of World War I of the USA.[4] That year, the title of the site was returned from the city of Nashville to the state government. The facility was designed by Steinbaugh, Harwood, and Rogers.[6] Preliminary construction began in September 1971 with completion originally slated for January 1974.[7][8] By September 1974, the plaza was nearly complete, and organizations began using it for special events.[2] The state legislature began moving into the complex on January 1, 1975,[9] and final work was finished over the next few weeks.[10][11]
The underground complex struggled with flooding, water damage, and mold issues from its early years.[12][13] Some offices were relocated to the Cordell Hull State Office Building when a renovation was completed there in 2017.[14] In the summer of 2023, work began on a $126 million renovation of Legislative Plaza. The project consists of replacement of some of the surface, removal of the fountains, expanded walking space, and renovations to the War Memorial Building and Motlow Tunnel. The second phase began in January 2025, and final work is expected to be complete in January 2027.[15][16]