A near‑century‑old house on Calvin Avenue that long served as home to The Groove record shop and a small live venue was torn down on Tuesday, leaving nothing but splintered lumber and a bare lot where the storefront once stood. For regulars and neighbors, the sudden loss of a spot that helped anchor East Nashville's indie‑music scene felt abrupt and disorienting.
Councilmember Calls Demolition ‘Unlawful’
In a statement to WKRN, Councilmember Clay Capp said the teardown happened without a permit or notice and was therefore unlawful. He added that he is working with Metro departments and legal authorities in an effort to hold the new owner accountable.
Photos Show Bare Lot Where Storefront Stood
Photos shared by the shop and nearby residents show piles of lumber and an empty lot where the nearly 100‑year‑old house once stood. According to WSMV, The Groove wrote on Facebook that “It’s a sad day,” and the store closed its Calvin Avenue location on Dec. 31, 2025, as the owners prepared to relocate.
The Groove’s Roots And Planned Move
The Groove has been part of East Nashville’s music community since 2007 and was run by Michael Combs and Jesse Cartwright after they took over in 2017, Nashville Scene reports. The owners told NewsChannel 5 they planned to reopen in 2026 but had not yet announced a new site.
Neighbors Say They Were Left Out
“The neighborhood feels disregarded by the demolition,” neighbor Bucky Bradshaw told WKRN. That outlet also reports that its journalists tried to reach the developers but found no working email and a disconnected phone number, and that Metro Codes, working with Metro's historic zoning, has opened an investigation to determine next steps.
What Comes Next
What happens next will depend on Metro Codes’ review and any enforcement action that follows, and the agency has not yet released details on possible penalties. The Groove’s owners say they will continue selling records online and plan to announce reopening details once a new site is secured, according to NewsChannel 5.
Customers can still buy from the store’s inventory online, according to WSMV. Neighbors and music fans say they are waiting to see what Metro’s investigation uncovers, including any records related to permits connected to the property.
