The battle to save a slice of Nashville's history is heating up as the beloved Monell's at the Manor faces a looming demolition due to Nashville International Airport (BNA) expansion plans. In a move that amplifies community efforts, the Nashville Metro Council has unanimously passed a resolution pleading with BNA to reconsider its stance and extend the restaurant's lease beyond its April 30 expiration date.
Despite its historical significance, the 1930s manor that Monell calls home is on the chopping block as part of BNA's development strategies. The decision to not renew Monell's lease has sparked a fervent response from both city officials and locals alike, who cherish the building not only as a dining establishment famous for its skillet fried chicken but also as a cultural landmark. The Council is hoping to justly persuade the airport to preserve what has become an integral part of the community's fabric, according to The Tennessean.
In a heartfelt appeal for the manor, Monell’s owner, Michael King has been vocal about finding a middle ground. "Here we are at a breaking point of one more opportunity that a corporation could do, with an ethical responsibility, refuses to do because it’s not important," King lamented in a statement obtained by WKRN. He stressed the importance of the Council's resolution as it provides a chance to, "sit around the table and say, ‘There is a better solution.'"
While efforts to preserve the manor intensify, recent developments have put construction plans on pause. The Federal Aviation Administration has rejected BNA's proposed 4,300-foot runway extension, prompting additional environmental assessments and delaying any immediate threats of demolition. Nevertheless, Metro Councilman Russ Bradford remains resolute, suggesting that ideally a year could be enough to extend the decision and protect the historic Colmere Manor, as reported by The Tennessean.
