Morris Memorial Building

The Morris Memorial Building is a Neoclassical office structure in downtown Nashville featuring grand stone columns, symmetrical windows, and classical details across its multiple stories. The architectural design showcases refined proportions and stonework that define the building's appearance throughout.

The National Baptist Convention commissioned this building in 1924, selecting McKissack & McKissack, one of the first African American architectural firms, to design it. The project marked a significant moment in the history of Black entrepreneurship and architecture in Nashville.

The building stands as the last remaining structure from Nashville's early 1900s African American business district in the downtown area. Its location preserves the memory of this community's economic importance in the city center.

The building sits in the downtown area and is accessible to view from the outside to appreciate its classical architecture. Visitors can admire the stone columns and details from the street and building exterior.

The building occupies the site of the former Commercial Hotel, which operated as a slave market before the Civil War. This historical location later transformed into a symbol of African American business success.

Location: Nashville

Inception: 1920s

Architects: McKissack & McKissack

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Address: 330 Dr MLK Jr Blvd Nashville, TN

GPS coordinates: 36.16647,-86.78047

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09