Jelly Roll's Goodnight Nashville

Project Statement

Inspired by the legacy of Broadway’s iconic bars and the area’s magnetic appeal to both locals and tourists, Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville takes center stage in every sense of the phrase. Anchored in the heart of Nashville’s most vibrant corridor and steeped in its historic character, the 32,000-square-foot venue channels the spirit of Broadway’s hospitality and culture into a four-story experience that is not just louder or taller, but warmer, richer, and full of unexpected moments.

That dynamic blend of bold energy and surprise was central to the collaboration with Jelly Roll’s team, who helped shape a space that invites guests to linger, not just pass through. While the music, food, and drinks draw people in, it’s the warm glow of mass timber, the layered views across every level, and the unexpected glimpse of the Cumberland River that encourage them to stay.

From three live music stages to a hidden tattoo parlor, each level offers a unique discovery woven together with authentic materials, bespoke detailing, and an immersive sense of place. Whether it’s the soaring double-height main floor, the mezzanine overlook to the central stage, or the rooftop that opens up to the Nashville skyline, Goodnight Nashville doesn’t just join the Broadway scene, it redefines it.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

Integration - Goodnight Nashville showcases a thoughtful blend of historic preservation and modern innovation. Situated within a historic overlay, the project’s design team faced the challenge of meeting stringent historical guidelines while also fulfilling the client’s vision for a contemporary bar that stood out in the city’s iconic entertainment corridor. Mass timber emerged as the ideal solution as it’s warm, natural aesthetic and structural clarity offered a distinctly modern appeal, yet its materiality echoed the heavy timber construction that once defined many of Nashville’s early riverfront buildings and historic honky-tonks. By embracing this parallel, the team was able to honor the architectural legacy of the area while introducing a forward-looking space that resonates with both history and innovation.

Goodnight Nashville nods to Broadway’s rich culture as it’s foundation, while intertwining itself in ever present hospitality scene, inhabiting both rowdy crowds and quiet moments in either day or night.

In addition to the complexities of the historic overlay, the team also navigated the intricacies of a high-profile celebrity branding collaboration, which brought its own set of expectations and layers of coordination. The branding partnership introduced numerous programmatic additions—from performance areas and VIP lounges to specialized bar features—that pushed the boundaries of the original design and required frequent adjustments during construction. Each element had to be seamlessly integrated into the mass timber structure without compromising its integrity or aesthetic.

These challenges were compounded by the logistical demands of building on Broadway, one of Nashville’s busiest tourist corridors. However, this high-visibility location also presented a unique opportunity: to create a space that not only served as a modern entertainment venue but also acted as a physical expression of Nashville’s evolving identity. From the draw of the warm mass timber, patrons cannot help but explore and experience the space for themselves.


Energy - With an estimated 230,000 patrons flooding Lower Broadway on any given weekend night, the interior needed to be more than just good-looking; it had to endure spilled cocktails, the clack of cowboy boots, and the wild rhythm of Nashville nights. Mass timber was not only a structural solution that met the aesthetic vision, but outperformed traditional finishes in both toughness and longevity.

Mass timber’s energy efficiency, low embodied carbon, and carbon-sequestering qualities make it a quiet champion of sustainability. At 209 Broadway, where the site is hemmed in on three sides by neighboring businesses, traditional construction posed logistical challenges. Mass timber proved to be the perfect solution: prefabricated off -site and installed with precision, it accelerated the build, reduced waste, and minimized the usual noise and dust that might disturb the vibrant hum of Broadway just beyond the door.


Well-Being - Goodnight Nashville, a four-story restaurant and bar with a mezzanine, celebrates its identity through the extensive use of exposed glulam beams and cross-laminated timber (CLT) decking. Visible through the double-hung windows lining Broadway, the warmth of the mass timber structure invites passersby into a space that feels both elevated and welcoming. This natural material sets the stage not only for unforgettable nights and live music, but also for a deeply biophilic experience.

On Broadway, live music is non-negotiable, and acoustics are everything. Mass timber’s inherent sound-dampening properties soften interior acoustics, creating a richer, more intimate listening environment. With each floor offering a distinct musical atmosphere, managing sound transfer between levels was critical. The acoustic performance of mass timber helped ensure that each guest experiences the music as it was intended.

As guests move through the space, visual and physical connections to the outdoors were thoughtfully integrated. Operable reverse double-hung windows on each floor frame views of both Broadway and the Cumberland River, allowing fresh air to fl ow through the building. On Level 4, three oversized garage doors open onto a terrace, blurring the line between indoor energy and open-air excitement. Despite frequent openings, the mass timber structure naturally helps regulate temperature and humidity, reducing the need for constant mechanical conditioning.

Finally, thanks to the precision manufacturing of mass timber and the minimal use of additional interior finishes, the building maintains low VOC emissions, resulting in cleaner, healthier air throughout.