Nretrospect: L&L Market

The Charlotte Avenue building that houses L&L Market was erected nearly a century before it became a go-to destination for Nashville locals and tourists. Built in 1929, the historic building began as Se-Ling Hosiery Mill. The spot went on to house Genesco, a shoe factory, and Madison Mill, which makes hardwood products, before sitting vacant for years. The iconic space soon fell into disrepair — that is, until Tamay Ozari stepped in to purchase it in 1996. 

In the first 20 years that Tamay owned the venue, he used it to house a restaurant equipment company. As the neighborhood grew, Tamay fielded offers to purchase the building. But upon hearing that developers planned to tear down the stunning structure to build apartments, he refused to sell. Instead, he set out to build “the coolest mall in Nashville.” 

That idea came to fruition in 2019, when L&L Market opened its doors. Now, people pour into the vintage venue to build bouquets, dine at a cheese conveyor belt, browse boutiques and more — creating a unique experience sure to delight everyone who visits.