BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Nashville’s newest private club promises a haven to work or relax downtown

Written by Dave Mahanes / Photography by Colin Flora and Charlie Mahanes

One block south of Lower Broad on the southeast corner of 2nd and Demonbreun is Music City’s newest luxury private club, The Register. The Register occupies the historic four-story red brick Liggett Building, built in 1933 as a feed-and-seed company. Integrous Architecture and Method-1 Interiors have teamed up to infuse the landmark’s early 20th-century architecture with the new millennium's aesthetics and creative modern touches. The Register evokes the vibe of an old-school gentleman’s club upgraded with hipster culture and technology. The target audience is the ultra-successful with an appreciation for the finer things in life–convenience, unrivaled personal service, the chance to network with elite business peers, and the opportunity to invest in off-market investments, including blockchain technology. Membership will be limited to 200 members and 50 corporate members.

Kil guards the door

Across the street from the Four Seasons’ future site is the secure, narrow alley entrance to The Register. You will be first greeted by “Kil,” the doorman. Kil is a massive, well-heeled, handsome gentleman dressed in head-to-toe black who warmly welcomes you and keeps the general public out. After ascending a long ramp, you will reach the front door. The door uses facial recognition technology to determine access and checks your temperature. Once you pass through the entrance, you may be fortunate to be greeted by Shelby, one of the stunning hostesses who will help you navigate The Register, where a unique menu of experiences awaits.

Shelby

The first level has The Study, a sophisticated bar for refined tastes that features molecular craft cocktails, a designer ice program, customizable table-side service via premium beverage carts, and an extensive collection of wines from the finest vintners around the world. If you feel adventurous and want something sweet and tangy, try the King’s Ransom, a mixture of black tea infused Tito’s Vodka, muddled thyme, infused honey syrup, hand-squeezed lemon, and raw ginger. If you have a hankering for that hair-of-the-dog classic, the Bloody Mary, order the Thicker Than Water made with Ketel One Cucumber Vodka, basil syrup, tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, local BBQ sauce, local hot sauce, garlic powder, celery salt, black pepper, and pickle juice. From the wine list, you can choose from an $18 glass of Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Gris to a $1,900 bottle of Ornellaia, 2013, Bolgheri, ITA Cabernet Blend. The Study is open to members of The Register and guests of the community, who can request in advance an exclusive pass to the space.

The second level is home to The Walter, an expansive open floor event space that can accommodate up to 200 guests. The Walter is available to both members and community guests by reservation, with members receiving preferred access to event dates. The Walter is a flexible space that can be customized according to the host’s imagination. It contains an ultra-high-end catering kitchen accompanied by a list of vetted caterers and a breakout conference room with state-of-the-art audio-visual options.

The Register’s private club and the most exclusive area is housed on the 3rd level. When you exit the elevator, you are met by a wall of new cryptocurrency miner machines encased in glass, as well as the namesake “Register”—a vintage cash register, adeptly demonstrating the contrast between old and new financing methods. The open space is divided into individual lounge areas with luxurious contemporary furnishings. Each section has a personal cabinet with a pop-up flatscreen television for viewing sporting events, concerts, etc. The cabinet also serves as a bar that can be custom stocked with one’s preferred spirits. The private club also provides professional workstations, a specialty coffee bar, a private board room, and other private rooms for spirit tastings and other small events. There is also a VIP lounge with its own private entrance.

Access to The Register’s private club floor is exclusive to members only and their guests (up to three per visit). The fourth level will be a two-story glass atrium rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the Cumberland River and downtown Music City. The rooftop bar will be open to the general public; however, members will be separated in a private secured member’s only area. The rooftop bar will open sometime in 2021.

The elegant rooms and their sophisticated features aside, The Register offers its members a team of Experience Specialists. The Experience Specialists are young, intelligent, articulate professionals that look like they came straight out of the pages of GQ or Vogue. They offer concierge services that cater to members’ special requests, including booking travel, securing tickets to sporting and entertainment events, handling restaurant reservations, procuring goods, and customizing amenities. Members have access to a mobile app that allows them to communicate directly with an Experience Specialist. They endeavor to arrange partnerships with the finest luxury establishments, including private air travel (JetRight headquartered in Music City), leading resorts and spas, vacation home rentals, dining experiences, and wellness facilities.

Mural with iconic photo of Sophia Loren and Jayne Mansfield

Bottom line, if you appreciate the finer things in life and need the ultimate escape from the bustle and hustle of the rest of the world, join The Register, where you can relax, learn, work and explore in an unparalleled oasis of grandeur.