Ben Folds: Developer won't demolish Studio A

A Brentwood developer will only go forward with plans to purchase the RCA Building on Music Row if it is feasible to maintain the famous studio inside.

Nashville rocker Ben Folds posted an update on his Facebook page Friday afternoon indicating that supporters of the famed RCA Studio A appear to have scored a victory.

According to the Facebook post, Tim Reynolds, owner of Brentwood-based Bravo Development, alerted Folds' team that he will instruct his engineers to study whether it is possible to incorporate the studio into any potential development. If it is not, then Reynolds will not go forward with plans to buy the building, according to Folds' post.

"All I can say is that this speaks volumes about the character of Mr. Reynolds and demonstrates an appreciation and respect for our city's great music heritage," Folds wrote on Facebook.

Folds brought national attention to the preservation of RCA Studio A and all of Music Row with an open letter he sent to the city of Nashville earlier this week. Folds has rented the studio for the last 12 years, and spent more than $1 million in rent and upgrades. Country singer Jamey Johnson rents office space in the building as well.

In the letter, Folds worried that Nashville may be losing culturally significant buildings in the name of progress and redevelopment. Nearly 50 years old, the RCA Building was the brainchild of Music Row luminaries Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley. Artists like Dolly Parton, Tony Bennett and Vince Gill recorded there.

A community gathering is planned in front of the studio at 30 Music Row West on Monday at 9 a.m.

Folds' publicist said the building sale was expected to close on Monday.

Reach Nate Rau at 615-259-8094 and on Twitter @tnnaterau.