Arts District in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Welcome to the Starr Piano Building
240 Rep. John Lewis Way North | Nashville, Tennessee
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, May 23, 2026
1. Welcome to the Starr Piano Building Marker
This beautiful old building has a story as rich as the music that once echoed from it's walls. It all began in the 1870s, when a young Jesse French moved to Nashville from England. He fell in love with music, started playing piano in a local band, and soon launched his own company - The Jesse French Piano & Organ Company. Back then, pianos were the heart of many homes, and Nashville was full of folks looking to add a touch of music and style to their lives. Jesse's company quickly grew, eventually becoming one of the south's biggest piano sellers. This building became it's Nashville home, once filled with over 200 beautiful instruments. In 1897, Jesse moved to St. Louis, and the building passed to his brother-in-law, Henry Gennett.
It continued on as the Starr Piano Company until 1929. Since then, it's been home to everything from shoe and clothing shops to beauty salons.
Today, you're staying in a space filled with history, charm, and the echoes of melodies from days gone by. We're so glad you're here to be part of it's story.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music •
this page online
Location. 36° 9.859′ N, 86° 46.851′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in the Arts District. It is on Rep. John Lewis Way North south of Union Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 240 Rep John Lewis Way N, Nashville TN 37219, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tennessee Ornithological Society (within shouting distance of this marker); Nashville Sit-Ins (within shouting distance of this marker); Sarah Estell (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew and Rachael Jackson (about 500 feet away,
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, May 23, 2026
2. Welcome to the Starr Piano Building Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. First Masonic Hall (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Jackson's Law Office (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
