NASHVILLE, Tenn.—A restored 19th-century church in downtown Nashville has reopened as a new event venue, with ELM officially celebrating its grand opening on April 30.
Located in the Rutledge Hill neighborhood at the corner of 5th Avenue and Elm Street, ELM offers space for gatherings ranging from 25 to 450 guests. The venue combines preserved historic architecture with modern amenities, including onsite parking and flexible event spaces.
Originally built in 1860 as Elm Street Methodist Church, the building has been reimagined for contemporary use following a restoration led in partnership with GBX Group and redesign by Pfeffer Torode Architects.
The project aimed to balance preservation with functionality in adapting the historic structure.
“Renovating a piece of Nashville’s history meant finding the right balance between preservation and performance,” says Andrew Tuttle, co-founder of ELM. “We focused on improving how the space functions without losing what makes it unique. Paired with a central location, onsite parking, and easy interstate access, it’s both distinctive and highly practical.”
Genie Lee, co-founder of ELM, adds, “Starting with functionality allowed us to be intentional with the design. The natural light, ceiling height, and original architecture carry the space, so it doesn’t rely on heavy styling to feel complete. It reflects the character of Nashville and the building itself, while still giving each event the flexibility to take on its own identity.”
The venue includes a main event hall with 25-foot ceilings, arched windows, and a built-in sound system, along with a private dining room, gallery, bar, catering kitchen, and additional spaces. A mezzanine loft, a green room, and an outdoor event space are also part of the property.
ELM is designed to host a range of events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and live entertainment, while preserving one of the city’s remaining examples of Italianate-style church architecture.
ELM is now open and accepting bookings at its downtown location.
