Garth Brooks to Build Graceland-like Museum

G O O D L E T T S V I L L E, Tenn., Aug. 13 -- Garth Brooks is considering turninghis Tennessee home into a museum, much like Graceland inMemphis.

The Blue Rose Estate, located in a north Nashville suburb, isvalued at more than $1.1 million. Brooks and his wife, Sandy, livedthere for about 10 years.

Brooks wants to open the home to the public possibly by theyear’s end, but attorney Robert Langford said plans still arepreliminary. Langford will unveil plans to neighbors at a privatemeeting Wednesday, which neither Brooks nor his wife will attend.

Dolly, Twitty and Now Brooks If the project proceeds, Brooks will join Conway Twitty, LorettaLynn and Dolly Parton, who also have created tourist attractionsnear their Tennessee homes to promote their country music careers.

Brooks is expected to file a zoning variance request with theNashville Metro Planning Commission this week. Last week, hislawyers’ mailed a letter to neighbors inviting them to voice theircomments.

Some worried about traffic and other disruptions.

“We value our quiet and privacy on this dead-end street,” saidJae Park, who lives three doors away. “I’m not sure what this[museum] will mean, but I’m not thrilled by it.”

Home Improvements Brooks purchased the 31-year old home, which sits on 20 acres,from former Nashville mayor Richard Fulton in 1991 for $435,000.The second-floor bedrooms offer a stunning view of downtown.

In 1992 Brooks made $400,000 in improvements, including a barnhousing a horse-riding area and indoor courts for racquetball andbasketball.

Brooks has sold 97 million albums in his 10-year career, makinghim the best-selling artist in country music history. He announcedin December 1999 that he may retire later this year to spend moretime with his family. He also has three young daughters.

Graceland and its sprawling complex of shops and museums drawsmore than 600,000 visitors a year and takes in some $12 millionannually. Thousands of fans flocked to Graceland this week to markthe 23rd anniversary of Elvis’ death on Aug. 16, 1977.