Rendering courtesy of Belmont University
The expansion project will unfold in two phases:
Phase One, already under way, includes renovating the historic Buddy Lee Attractions/Capitol Records building at 38 Music Square East, while adding 17,000 sq. ft. of songwriting rooms, listening spaces, live sound classrooms and student lounges. The project’s second phase will develop a new 75,000-sq.-ft. building behind Belmont’s existing Music Row footprint.
A $58 million lead gift from philanthropist and music industry icon Mike Curb and the Mike Curb Foundation to Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., was announced by the school April 9.
The funds will be used to catalyze the expansion of Belmont's nationally renowned Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
The gift is the largest in Belmont's history and will, in part, support the renovation of the college's existing buildings. In addition, it will pay for the construction of a new facility on Nashville's Music Row, preserving the area's rich history while providing innovative spaces for entertainment industry education and collaboration.
Curb is an American musician, record company executive, motorsports car owner, philanthropist and former politician. He also is the founder and chair of Curb Records in Nashville.
"Mike Curb's remarkable generosity and partnership with Belmont over many years has been invaluable in advancing entertainment and music business education," Greg Jones, the university's president, said in a statement. "This latest transformational gift solidifies Belmont's position at the forefront of developing the next generation of music industry leaders. We are profoundly grateful to Mike and Linda for their continued investment in Belmont's mission."
The expansion project will unfold in two phases, the school noted.
Phase One, already under way, includes renovating the historic Buddy Lee Attractions/Capitol Records building at 38 Music Square East, while adding 17,000 sq. ft. of songwriting rooms, listening spaces, live sound classrooms and student lounges. The renovation will include new and updated space for Nashville's Leadership Music offices, a continuation of Belmont University's and Curb College's partnership with the organization.
The project's second phase will develop a new 75,000-sq.-ft. building behind Belmont's existing Music Row footprint.
The university said that construction on this facility will commence over the next 24 months and integrate all facets of the entertainment industry, including a performance venue anticipated to accommodate more than 150 people, networking and gathering spaces for students and industry professionals, a coffee shop, content capture rooms and underground parking.
The centerpiece project reinforces the shared commitment from Belmont and Mike and Linda Curb to both preserve Music Row's legacy and drive innovation for the future of Curb College, the largest free-standing college of entertainment and music business in the world.
Phase Two also will require a broader fundraising campaign for the building, which Belmont kicked off April 9.
"As Nashville's music industry has grown and evolved into an international entertainment hub, it's crucial that our education system keeps pace to develop skilled talent," explained Mike Curb. "Belmont has been a fantastic partner over the years in preparing aspiring artists, songwriters, engineers and music business leaders who go on to become invaluable employees for record companies throughout Nashville and the industry at large.
"With this latest investment, we'll build upon that strong foundation to push entertainment and music business education ahead to the next level, ensuring a steady stream of well-prepared professionals for the ever-growing industry."
Creating Innovative Facilities for Music Industry Students
Belmont's Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business project reflects values important to the Curbs and the university: upholding the history and ethos of Music Row, while supporting innovative collaboration between industry and education.
"For 50 years, our faculty, staff, and world-class facilities have made Belmont a top destination for future music executives, engineers, artists and songwriters," said Brittany Schaffer, dean of Belmont's Curb College. "Mike's partnership over the decades has allowed Belmont to continually elevate our entertainment curriculum and facilities in lockstep with industry needs.
"This lead gift allows us to deepen our integration with Music Row, creating an unprecedented immersive experience that will directly connect our students with industry leaders and opportunities while driving innovation alongside our partners in Nashville's entertainment landscape."
To fully realize this pioneering vision, Belmont has begun a fundraising campaign to secure additional support beyond the Curb family's lead gift.
Construction details and timelines for the Music Row project will be announced as plans progress, according to the school.
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