Gray & Dudley

One Nashvillian described the Gray and Dudley building as, “the largest business house ever built in this city.” While the building looks small in comparison to the skyscrapers popping up throughout downtown, this 1900 building was considered one of the most impressive structures in the city at the turn of the century. For many years, the hardware company occupied the entire building and owned a foundry in West Nashville that employed over 400 men and used the catalog model, popularized by Sears and Roebuck, to sell hardware and cast iron stoves. The 1880 Gray and Dudley Hardware Company, formed by business partners John Gray and Robert Dudley, remained the largest of its kind in Middle Tennessee through the early twentieth century. In fact, the building was considered so impressive, they conducted public tours throughout the factory. The building remained the largest of its kind in Middle Tennessee until the 1940s.

Today, the building is a 21c LLC boutique hotel with an accompanying restaurant and contemporary art museum. The hotel company worked with preservationists in maintaining the integrity of the exterior while inviting guests to enjoy a modern experience inside. The large cooking hearth showcases the kitchen at Gray and Dudley and adds a sense of coziness amidst the sleek atmosphere. The chef-driven seasonal menu allows foodies to try new meals with each visit. For more on this building, see our Downtown Public Arts and Murals Tour. 

Continue walking down Metro Alley until you have reached Second Avenue North and then turn RIGHT. At the next intersection, cross and continue walking down the right side of Second Avenue. As your walk through the Second Avenue Commercial District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, feel free to pause and look at many of the historic buildings that line the street. Cross over Broadway and turn LEFT to head toward Acme Feed and Seed. Once you have reached Acme, begin the next narrative.