John Seigenthaler Bridge & Acme Feed and Seed

In front of you spans the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, completed in 1909 to connect downtown Nashville with East Nashville. Originally known as the Sparkman Street Bridge and later the Shelby Street Bridge, it was renamed in 2014 to honor journalist and civil rights advocate John Seigenthaler.

At 3,100 feet long, the bridge was a major engineering achievement. Designed by Howard Jones, it was the first U.S. structure to use reinforced concrete trusses. For nearly a century, it carried traffic into downtown. In 1998, it reopened as a pedestrian walkway and remains one of the city’s best river and skyline viewpoints. Now look to the corner of First Avenue and Broadway for the teal on the exterior white brick that reads “Acme Farm Supply.”

Built in 1890 by architect J. R. Whitemore, the building first housed Cummins Brothers’ Grocery. In 1943, Currey Turner moved Acme Feed & Hatchery into the space. Farmers bought feed, tools, pet food, and sometimes thousands of chicks at a time. By 1965, it became Acme Farm Supply, known for its annual “Purina Jamboree,” where pot-bellied pigs Mike and Ike made appearances. Acme is also advertised on the Grand Ole Opry, linking the building to Nashville’s music economy.

The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, a year before the store closed. Many feared it would be demolished, but restaurateur Tom Morales leased it, and Acme reopened as a music venue in 2014—the same year the bridge was renamed. “Every piece [in] the building represents a different era of time in Nashville,” Morales said. Singer and songwriter Alan Jackson was a founding partner in Acme’s transformation. On reopening night in 2014, he performed “Home,” a fitting tribute.

Before we leave, look across First Avenue to the stop for Old Town Trolley tours, WeGo buses, Grayline tours, and the Music City Star. Then look across the Cumberland River to spot the new Titans stadium and East Bank redevelopment.

To reach our next stop, cross to the other side of the parking lot at First Avenue North. You’re now in Riverfront Park. From here, you have a great view of First Avenue, but feel free to walk up the block to see some of the hand-painted signage.