'My heart is smashed': Nashvillians, business owners, others react to Mercy Lounge closure

Nashville's Mercy Lounge and its sister venues announced suddenly Thursday they will close their doors next year.

The connected trio of concert venues, will end its near 20-year run on Cannery Row in May. This business posted online that its lease is ending and ownership plans to relocate the venues to a new unannounced location.

Here's how Nashvillians, area business owners and others beyond Music City are reacting to the announcement:

"My heart is smashed. Mercy Lounge is one of the most magical places in Nashville," @OnlyCarleigh tweeted Thursday.

"Yup. You can feel it happening. City about to lose its soul. What a shame. Marathon can't be too far behind..," Buss Barry tweeted.

"Oh no! I’ve had showcases, songwriter rounds during Tin Pan South and shows out there over the years with @randyrogersband, @davidnail and @JSteeleMusic, to name a few. Great venue and some great memories," Nashville recording artist J.R. Castillo tweeted. "They’re singlehandedly responsible for my love of @SPAMbrand quesadillas."

Fellow music venues across town also voiced their thoughts on the closure and  upcoming move.

"Obviously this is tough news to hear, but we have full confidence that Mercy Lounge will live on better than ever in its new home. Sending all our love and support!" The Ryman Auditorium posted online.

"Catch us there for so many shows this year. This is such a bummer, sending lots of love from around the corner," City Winery posted on Twitter.

"we cannot wait to see what the future holds for you & your amazing team & venues! sending all our love from the Exit team today," music venue EXIT/IN tweeted.

"I saw Adele at Cannery a good while back. Adele. Hate this. I also miss 328 Performance Hall. Saw loads of shows there back in the day," Twitter user @troopek from Murfreesboro posted.

"My very first music-related gig in town was being a house photographer here Been going to this venue regularly for my entire time living here… sad," Nashvillian Olivia Ladd tweeted.

Some even voiced their opinions the building may be razed and turned into housing.

"That hurts. Such a spectacular building with much time spent staring out those windows & off that balcony. Can’t wait to recreate them by renting a $2900/month CanneryCondo!" Drew Wilson tweeted.

"Part of the allure of @mercylounge is its location," Drew Wilson tweeted. "It's so tiring to see everything sold, refurbished ,shined up to appeal to the people with no loyalty to this city. #Nashville #destroyed #concerts." 

Natalie Neysa Alund is based in Nashville at The Tennessean and covers breaking news across the South for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at nalund@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.