MDHA offers compromise on Music Circle property

Developer would acquire part of property for parking

Email | Print By Nate Rau

Lionstone's planned 1515 Demonbreun

The Metro Development and Housing Agency has offered a compromise regarding the controversial Music Circle property that will allow owner Joy Ford to stay while giving the incoming developer the parking space it had sought.

Under the compromise proposed by MDHA and the Houston-based developer, the Lionstone Group, a portion of the parking lot surrounding Ford’s property will be acquired by Lionstone.

Ford would then be able to continue operating Country International Records at its current location. MDHA had deemed the property blighted and was pursuing a legal battle over its eminent domain claim for Ford’s property.

An MDHA press release states, “It is hoped this portion of the Ford property could be acquired at its full fair market value through negotiations.”

The release said the proposal had been forwarded to Ford’s representatives.

Located in the middle of a redevelopment district, Ford’s property had been sought by MDHA and Lionstone as part of the developer’s $70 million investment in adjacent property that will be used for an office tower.

Ford maintained she didn’t want to sell her property and legal action was pursued.

Several Metro Council members, including Councilman Michael Craddock and at-large Councilwoman Megan Barry, said they were considering proposing legislation that would intercede on the eminent domain claim.