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Board presses Metro to speed lease extension as renovations are planned ahead of Dec. 2027 lease expiry
Summary
Board members pressed Metro and Meharry Medical College to expedite a lease‑extension decision so the hospital can proceed with prioritized renovations and capital projects; members warned investing without a firm extension is risky, while others said Metro appears likely to renew.
Board members debated the timing and risks of renovating the hospital building while lease negotiations with Metro and Meharry Medical College remain unresolved. The board was unanimous in saying the hospital requires upgrades — from elevators to emergency‑department modernization — but divided on whether to invest before a firm extension is signed.
Dr. Scott urged the board and Metro to prioritize a lease extension so renovation work can proceed, saying, "Let's renew the lease. Let's come up with a bond measure if we need to" to care for patients who cannot access other area hospitals. Other members warned that investing heavily without an extended lease could leave the hospital exposed if the lease were not renewed, but several trustees said they had no doubt Metro would extend the lease and stressed the need for an agreed list of prioritized capital improvements to present to Metro.
Interim CEO Dr. Elders said discussions are ongoing with Metro's law department and Meharry, and staff are compiling updated facility‑condition assessments and capital requests. She reiterated that Metro's lease signature is ultimately the Metro government's decision and that the hospital is pursuing regular discussions to move the process forward. Board members requested a clear prioritized list of capital upgrades tied to lease requests and asked staff to speed liaison with Metro and Meharry.
