According to a Facebook status update posted by Rutledge employee Tye Ramos — which we've screen-capped and posted above — the longtime local venue has been sold and will be closing its doors at the end of the month. Says Ramos:

Man its really hard to believe that it's over after all these years, The Rutledge has been sold & we are closing the doors the end of Nov. I've been there for just about 7 years and I'm not sure what to think...

Another Facebook user posted this comment on local news station WKRN's page, which reads in part, "The Rutledge is closing down. One of Nashville's premier music showcase venues is being destroyed by developers yet AGAIN." We have reached out to Ramos via Facebook, and to The Rutledge via both phone and email. We have received no response as of press time.

Update: In a response to the Cream, Ramos said the following: "Regarding the details of who bought it and what it will become, I don't have the info on that. ... I loved this venue, I loved being able to provide a quality platform for all stages of performers, I learned a ton of event production skills and hope to carry that experience over to new endeavors. I'm grateful for the chance to work with such a great place but sad that it's and end to journey I made with some good people."

Update 2: Nashville Business Journal reports that restaurant group Fresh Hospitality currently has the Rutledge building under contract. Says NBJ, "Fresh Hospitality is considering a number of concepts for the space, and most likely will settle on an existing concept."