Tennessee Tourism wrote a beautiful piece about the opening of The Russell Nashville Hotel. You can read the piece below:
“NASHVILLE, TN – May 2, 2019 – An historic East Nashville church is in the process of being resurrected as a lodging hotspot. The Russell, named for its location at Russell Street and 9th Avenue, is now accepting reservations for its 23 guestrooms.
The lobby shows off plenty of the preserved architectural features including two massive stained-glass windows, exposed beams and a sweeping 40-foot-tall ceiling. The auditorium and classrooms were converted into 23 splendidly-colored guestrooms and suites with paint colors drawn from those of the vivid palette of the stained glass.
The church’s pews have been upcycled to form contemporary headboards, and handmade church-style pendants hang from the lobby walls paying homage to legends like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. Local artists were employed to craft one-of-a-kind touches like brightly-colored tile, arched bathroom mirrors and more.
The transformation from religious site to boutique hotel included repurposing the church’s bell tower into a stunning suite that boasts an interior balcony with Instagram-worthy views of the stained glass.
The Russell caters to the digital age and guests can snap a photo in the lobby Smile Booth or record themselves in the in-house podcasting studio. Additionally, The Russell allows guests to easily check in and out using their cell phones and features a digital concierge.
Part of the allure is the walkability to venture out and explore East Nashville’s vices. Located in one of Nashville’s oldest neighborhoods, The Russell is steps from such hot spots as Stay Golden Restaurant & Roastery and Edley’s Bar-B-Que. Other local favorites include The Basement East for live music, Butcher & Bee for a fantastic meal, and dozens of other shops, bars and restaurants.
The average weekend stay is equal to 16 meals and warm beds for homeless individuals in the area. The Russell is projected to donate more than $100,000 toward non-profits in its first year of operation.
About The Russell
The Russell offers unique accommodations in East Nashville—one of Music City’s oldest neighborhoods. The historic church building, which has seen an “it city” emerge around it, today seamlessly blends elements of its past with modern amenities in its 23 rooms with 11 different room types. When you stay at The Russell, you are part of the East Nashville community. Learn more at www.RussellNashville.com.”