The building dates back to 1874 when the area was referred to as Black Bottom after the dark, muddied streets caused by periodic river flooding. With a conglomeration of saloons, brothels, and gambling joints, the notable African-American neighborhood was culturally rich and lively. It's even believed famed writer Zora Neale Hurston got some of her ideas on black urban life from walking the streets of Black Bottom.

The Bell Tower was one of the first churches built in Nashville by freed slaves after the Civil War; it was called the Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Most of the neighborhood was demolished following World War II, and The Bell Tower is one of the last remaining structures dating back to the Black Bottom era.

The property functioned as Saint Paul AME Church until the late 1950s when it relocated. Since then, the building has served as a night club, warehouse, and most recently housed offices for EOA Architects.

At the end of 2012, singer-songwriter Brett James, purchased the property. After entertaining different concepts and options for the space, he partnered with Infinity Hospitality Group to create an event and concert venue. The redesign maintained much of the building’s history and character, such as the original beams, downstairs stonework, and original sub-flooring, which is comprised of salvaged wood from homes destroyed during the Civil War. The newly-named Bell Tower then opened in November of 2014.