Ruby Event Hall Set To Launch This Summer

Nashville's Newest Venue Features Historic Appeal, Flexible Entertainment Space, and Beautiful Outdoor Decks and Patios  

 

 

Nashville, Tenn. – June 22, 2011-- Renovation and restoration are in the final stages, and the highly anticipated addition to Nashville’s venue offerings is taking shape in the historic Hillsboro Village neighborhood. Owners Dan and Brenda Cook announced today that Ruby (www.rubynashville.com) will open for business this summer as a distinctive setting for events, music performances, weddings and meetings.

 

Formerly the home of the shuttered Primitive Baptist Church at 2411 Blakemore Avenue, Ruby has been thoughtfully transformed into an elegant event hall with a 30-foot, open ceiling; exposed roof trusses; and a broad expanse of windows that envelope the park views. Outside, the venue soon will be carefully landscaped to encompass the park while creating an intimate and welcoming entertainment space.

 

"We fell in love with the idea of restoring this beautiful old church during family outings to Dragon Park," said Dan Cook. "We gave a lot of thought as to what would most contribute to the neighborhood and the community, and we believe Ruby will be an exceptional anchor to the vibrant activity in Hillsboro Village and on the Vanderbilt campus."  

 

The main hall, transformed from the1800-square-foot sanctuary, maintains historical elements of the church, including original hardwood floors and plaster walls. With a seating capacity of 245 (theater-style), Ruby is poised to become Nashville’s hottest venue for smaller weddings and intimate musical performances. An adjacent, 217-square-foot room is a nimble space that can serve as a dressing room or "back-stage" green room.

 

The outdoor spaces, all prepped for easy tenting, heating and lighting, feature two back courtyards, front courtyard, and side deck. The valet lane in front of the venue creates a convenient arrival area, and the ample parking in the adjacent lots can accommodate more than 300 cars. Named for its "gem-like" qualities that shined through after the attention and polish from its new owners, Ruby fits beautifully in its park setting as it is oriented to embrace the park and highlight the inviting views. 

 

"The entertaining spaces at Ruby are designed to feel like a party at your house," said co-owner Brenda Cook. "Guests will enjoy the ambiance and views from each of the connected spaces."

 

The Cooks describe Ruby as both modern and traditional with hints of the industrial and say that while the hall is comfortable and striking unadorned, it also offers a blank canvas that can be uniquely decorated to suit the event. The Cooks will work with local vendors, including event planners, caterers, audio/visual experts and other professionals, to help Ruby guests envision, create and execute a perfect event.

 

The creative reuse of the old structure, the urban infill nature of the project, and the Cook's commitment to increased landscaping, water conserving fixtures, and energy conservation give Ruby a “green” form and function fitting of its park location. Ruby has been transformed from one center of community life to another and will surely become one of Nashville’s most-sought-after entertainment and performance spaces. 

 

The Ruby’s opening date has not yet been scheduled, but the Cooks are planning for completion and initial bookings in August. 

Nashville residents for more than 10 years, Dan and Brenda Cook’s lifetime of professional experience brought them naturally to Ruby’s renovation. With a business background and a penchant for creating the unexpected, Dan has developed many businesses including a restaurant and hotel project in Wyoming and a technology company. Brenda brings years of tourism and operations experience to the project along with her passion for architecture and design. Together, the couple took on the Ruby project as a labor of love, and it shows in the thoughtful attention to detail and the preservation of many of the unique qualities of the space.

  

 

 

For more information, contact Kaleidoscope Media

Ann Ewing: Ann@Kaleidoscope-Media.com; 615-419-3753, 615-321-3211

Lauren Hudgins: Lauren@kaleidoscope-Media.com; 615-321-3211