Belmont community members came together Saturday afternoon to celebrate the opening of Tall Hall, more than a year and a half after construction workers broke ground on the site.
The building is Belmont’s largest residential hall and will house 610 upperclassmen in suites and apartments.
At 10 stories tall, it’s also one of the highest points in Nashville.
Saturday’s dedication ceremony featured speeches from Board of Trustees Chairman Marty Dickens, University President Dr. Robert Fisher, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life Dr. Anthony Donovan and Rep. Jim Cooper.
“This is truly a marvelous addition to the Nashville skyline and truly a marvelous addition to what is to come at Belmont,” Donovan said.
The university also unveiled a new bear sculpture in Bear Creek, the water feature next to Tall Hall.
Sandy Scott, an artist from Wyoming, created the sculpture, which she named “Chum Run.”
The water feature and sculpture are dedicated to the Fishers’ late son, Rob, Fisher said at the ceremony.
“This park has blown away my expectations,” he said. “This means a lot for Judy and me to have this here.”
The new residence hall isn’t just exciting for Belmont, it’s emblematic of Nashville’s growth as a whole, Cooper said.
“I am witnessing another Belmont miracle,” he said. “This is such a fabulous addition, not only to Belmont, but to the Nashville community.”
Fisher closed out the ceremony with an important message, especially for students.
“Make sure you stay out of the water!”
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This article written by Christiana Green. Photos by James Carnell.