Country Music Association To Make Music Row Move

Rendering of 35MSE (Music Square East) building, currently under construction at 35 16th Avenue South. Photo: Courtesy of Panattoni Development Company

The Country Music Association will relocate corporate offices in 2016. CMA and SESAC will share the five-story office space, which was designed by Tuck-Hinton Architects, the designers of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for CMA on several levels,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Operating Officer. “This move allows us to consolidate our day-to-day staff and TV production team under one roof while still providing a state-of-the-art event space for the industry.”

CMA intends to sign a 10-year lease with Panattoni Development Company for 27,000 feet on the first and second floor of the 35MSE (Music Square East) building, currently under construction at 35 16th Avenue South. As part of the agreement, Panattoni will acquire the current CMA building.

“We welcome the entire CMA team into our project at 35MSE and are honored to be part of their growth plans and future,” said Whitfield Hamilton, Panattoni Regional Partner. “We have attempted to create a unique business venue and scale for those who want to work on and be part of The Row, and we appreciate the opportunity to be The CMA’s new home.”

Founded in 1958, the CMA moved into its current offices at 1 Music Circle South in 1991 when the Association had 15 employees, one television show at the Grand Ole Opry, and Fan Fair was held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Today, CMA counts 48 full-time staff members and a full calendar of events domestically and internationally. In addition, CMA has a production team of 15 employees who work on CMA’s three annual television properties. Until now, they were housed in a separate, rented office space.

Trahern added, “Housing our television production in the same building as our Events, Marketing, and PR departments makes sense strategically – especially as the future growth of our television properties is influenced by Marketing and partnerships.”

Another advantage to the new space is the ability to continue to host industry events including artist performances, industry celebrations, press conferences, and No. 1 parties, which are currently held in CMA’s atrium. The new building will also allow for secured parking for CMA staff and Board/Committee meeting attendees.

“We are entering a new era for the Association and this expansion on Music Row provides the infrastructure, visibility, and security necessary for us to continue to grow and serve this community,” Trahern said.