Fashion designer Manuel Cuevas is best known for his colorful garment designs for country and rock and roll stars, including Johnny Cash, Elton John, Burt Reynolds, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Bono, Marty Stuart, Dwight Yoakam, Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Glen Campbell, and the Rolling Stones. Over 25 years he was visited in his studio and retail store, Manuel Couture, by these artists, in addition to kings from other countries and presidents. That historic building is free for relocation and preservation of the structure. Cuevas called it a “Historic Jewel for Nashville,” describing the rooms as “elegant, beautiful” and wishes that he was still in the building.
The Queen Anne building was constructed around 1910. At some point the building was a brothel. The building was also owned by the American Legion from 1948 to 1986. Cuevas moved from Los Angeles to Nashville in 1988. He used the building’s main floor for his retail shop and showroom and the other three floors as work spaces. The building remained vacant after Cuevas moved his business to the corner of 8th and Broadway in 2013. The current owner of the property is Vanderbilt University who acquired the building in 2016.
Although the structure was built in the early 20th century and is the site of cultural and historic value, it is neither listed on the National Register of Historic Places, nor is it protected by local zoning. Besides Vanderbilt University, the Metro Historical Commission and Historic Nashville Inc. are all trying to locate a preservationist to preserve the over 100-year-old home. The cost to move and preserve the building could possibly be around six figures or more. The building is located at 1922 Broadway, just down the street from the Midtown Hattie B’s.
CONTACT INFO
Tim Walker
Executive Director
Metro Historical Commission
615-862-7970
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Historic Nashville Inc.
615-669-4503
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Margaret Emley
Director for Real Estate
Vanderbilt University Real Estate (VURE)
615-343-0550
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