Meet Kelleigh Bannen + Colson Horton of The Preservation Society of Nashville

To say that Kelleigh Bannen and Colson Horton are creative is an understatement. You may recognize either or both women for their artistic endeavors — Colson is the founder of ADR Creative, and her art direction has led her to collaborate with everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Martha Stewart, and Kelleigh is one of Nashville’s preeminent singer-songwriters (and host of Apple Music’s “Today’s Country Radio” and The Kelleigh Bannen Show). As if that weren’t enough to wax poetic about, the duo has recently joined forces to create the Preservation Society of Nashville, an organization dedicated to honoring our local history by maintaining and protecting our treasured landmarks and neighborhoods. Please welcome this week’s FACES of Nashville, the infinitely inspiring Colson Horton and Kelleigh Bannen. 

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Can you tell us about your creative backgrounds and what inspired your love of Nashville’s history?

Kelleigh: I’m a singer-songwriter and host for Apple Music, so I spend my days making and talking about country music. I’m a Nashville native, so I come by my love for Nashville and its stories pretty naturally. I also believe we don’t know who we are as a city if we don’t know where we’ve come from.

Colson: I originally moved to Nashville to play music. I was a classical musician for the majority of my life, and Nashville’s rich and diverse musical history was so appealing. Now, I work as an art director and prop stylist, building sets for motion and print bodies of work. This city is full of storytellers — in music and the arts. Ultimately, I love this history that is a part of Nashville’s fabric.

What prompted you to create the Preservation Society of Nashville?

Kelleigh: Short version? Nashville has the unfortunate distinction of being the only city in Tennessee without a staffed preservation nonprofit, and the evidence is all around us. We believe Nashville deserves nothing less than a fully staffed preservation org.

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What is the organization’s mission, and why is it such an essential nonprofit entity here in Music City?

Colson: Our mission is to protect and champion Nashville’s unique stories, neighborhoods, and architecture through education, advocacy, and historic preservation. This city and its constant growth demand that we have a staff that wakes up thinking about how we can grow and keep the places that built the town that we love so much.

Progress has its benefits and detriments. What are the upsides and downfalls of Nashville’s popularity?

Kelleigh: I would say “growth” has its benefits and detriments. The prosperity, property values, and national visibility — these are positive. The downsides? What happens if we lose so much of what makes Nashville “Nashville” that the character, humanity, and beauty that attracted this growth in the first place disappears?

Colson: Fortunately, the excitement of Nashville brings new creativity, culture, and arts. However, with that expansion, rapid growth can create a development frenzy. Often, it seems easier to tear something down and build than to consider adaptive reuse of an existing building.

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What are some of the historic landmarks and structures that we may not know have been saved from the brink of destruction?

Kelleigh: The Ryman is the quintessential example because who can imagine Nashville without it? It sat empty for nearly 20 years, and I’m always surprised to learn how many people don’t know it came very close to destruction.

Colson: Our favorite train station-turned-hotel, Union Station, was at high risk in the 1970s from changes in travel preferences and the lack of routes to the city. Fortunately, in the ’80s, an opportunity for it to become a hotel emerged, and it saved this early 1900’s building.

How can folks get involved with the Preservation Society?

Kelleigh: JOIN! You can become a member on our website and follow us on Instagram.

Colson: We are also open to nominations for our neighborhood leads initiative that we will be engaging later this year.

What are some of your favorite Nashville gems?

Colson: Oh, there are so many! The Ryman Auditorium musically is just such a treasure to me. The Morris Memorial Building, designed in the ’20s by McKissack and McKissack, has beautiful architectural details. The Union Station Hotel has such a presence in our town and is made all of Tennessee marble!

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What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Kelleigh: “Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.” Luke Bryan told me that really early in my career, and to be honest, I’m still working on not taking myself too seriously.

Colson: “Every member of the team makes it work. Be kind, patient, and respectful to each other.” And “Choose what’s good for your soul, not your ego.”

Aside from faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?

Kelleigh: My two black pugs, Rex and Rye, my 1948 LG2, and a strong cup of coffee.

Colson: My cats, Lucy and Linus, time spent outside in nature, and some kind of creative release that has nothing to do with my job.

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Discover even more amazing women through our FACES archives!