Printers Alley and The Gas Lite

Printers Alley has long been associated with the seedy side of Nashville. In the late 1800s, Nashville’s two main newspapers, the Tennessean and the Nashville Banner, were located here, with printing presses running late into the night. Naturally, the alley became a den of vice, full of drinking, gambling, and sex work. This was Nashville’s “Men’s Quarter” and nearby businesses, like the Maxwell House Hotel, had a separate entrance for white female guests—to save them the indignity of engaging with the lewd activities and businesses on Fourth Ave. To learn more about this area, take our Seedy Side and Printers Alley and Hidden History and Haunts walking tours.

After Watch Your Hat and Coat Saloon was destroyed, owner Jerry Peek moved his drag shows to the Embers Cabaret Room. One of the most famous performers was Shawn Luis, who was crowned Miss Gay America in 1975. After a few years in Printers Alley, Peek relocated his shows once again to a standalone building called The Cabaret at 1711 Hayes Street. Today, the Embers building and the Climax Saloon building are part of the DREAM Nashville Hotel. To learn more about these buildings, take our Capitol and Church Architecture tour.

Exit Printers Alley onto Fourth Ave. North then turn RIGHT onto Church St. Head back towards the start of the tour by walking along Church Street then turning LEFT onto Seventh Ave. North. Turn RIGHT onto Commerce Street, walking past the Jungle and Juanita’s marker to Eighth Ave. North/Rosa Parks Blvd. Turn RIGHT and stop in front of The Standard. This was the location of The Gas Lite, the final section of your first stop.

The Gas Lite Lounge is in a building that is one of Nashville’s most historic properties. Built in the 1840s, this building is the only original grand townhouse remaining in the city and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1980, John W. Hunt and David Nelson bought the property and opened three businesses: the Savage House Bed & Breakfast upstairs, the Towne House Tea Room on the main floor, and the Gas Lite Lounge in the ballroom. The Gas Lite was a popular meeting place for gay organizations, including the committee that planned Nashville’s first Pride parade in 1988. Hunt and Nelson operated these gay-friendly establishments for about 20 years before the Smith family purchased the building. Today, the The Standard operates as a restaurant on the main floor and private club. Take our Old Time Religion walking tour to learn more. 

Now head back to your vehicle and get ready to head to our next stop at 901 Cowan Street. Head towards Rosa Parks Blvd. and turn RIGHT. In a half mile, turn LEFT to continue on Rosa Parks Blvd. then RIGHT onto Jefferson Street. Drive east on Jefferson Street for approximately one mile and turn LEFT onto Cowan Street immediately after crossing the Jefferson Street Bridge. Drive along Cowan Street for approximately one mile before reaching 901 Cowan St. on your right. The parking lot to this warehouse is fenced in, so pull to the side of the road to listen to the next stop—The Connection.