HISTORIC NASHVILLE MEMBERS SEEK TO SAVE CORDELL HULL BUILDING; ASK STATE REPRESENTATIVES TO SLOW DEMOLITION PROCESS TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT TIME TO EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES TO DEMOLITION
Historic Nashville is dedicated to preserving the historic places that make Nashville unique. Nashville’s downtown core is once again threatened by the demolition of a significant historic building. Constructed from 1952-1954, the Cordell Hull Building is a Mid-Century Modern state office building eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. It is a good example of post-World War II modern design, created in a time following the stripped down architecture of post- Depression America. The local architectural firm of Hart & McBryde designed the Cordell Hull Building to fit into the scale of the other public buildings around the State Capitol. It also boasts several exterior sculptures by Puryear Mims from the early 1950s.
The Cordell Hull Building was meant to reflect the state’s importance and carries with it the history of Tennessee and Nashville. Demolition will leave a void in our city’s urban landscape. This historic landmark should instead be renovated and preserved for future generations.
We are at a critical point in Nashville’s history; we must decide whether we will continue the practices of our throw-away culture or take the more challenging, interesting and rewarding road of sustainable conservation and preservation of buildings, history, energy and materials.
We urge all Historic Nashville members – and all members of the community – to contact their state representatives and let them know the Cordell Hull Building is important and should be saved. Ask them to slow down the demolition process and thoroughly research alternatives to the demolition of the Cordell Hull Building.
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About Historic Nashville, Inc.
Established in 1968 and renamed in 1975, Historic Nashville, Inc. (HNI) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 membership organization with the mission to “Promote and preserve the historic places that make Nashville unique.” Over the years, HNI has successfully advocated for the preservation of such historic places the Ryman Auditorium, Union Station, Hermitage Hotel, 2nd Avenue & Lower Broadway, and Shelby Street Bridge, as well as neighborhood historic districts throughout the city. In 1982, HNI established the state’s first Preservation Easement program and currently owns easements on 16 historic landmarks with a market value of over $30 million. HNI hosts an annual membership meeting, publishes a newsletter, maintains a website, hosts educational programs such as tours and the annual “Nashville Nine” list of endangered properties. For additional information, please visit www.historicnashvilleinc.org and our Facebook page.
Contact:
Melissa Wyllie
President, Historic Nashville
