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Governor, First Lady Launch Phase I Construction in Tennessee Residence Restoration and Preservation

11/8/2005

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte today launched the first phase of construction to take place in the Restoration and Preservation of The Tennessee Residence. The first couple announced Powell Building Group, Inc., has been selected to complete the work. The company was chosen through the state’s competitive bidding process conducted by the Department of Finance and Administration.

“I’m pleased to announce that today we’re able to begin Phase I of construction in the Restoration and Preservation of The Tennessee Residence,” said Conte, who spearheaded the restoration project in 2003. “Since Phil and I announced our plans to restore the residence two years ago, we have received a tremendous amount of support from individuals and groups across the state who believe in this project. Thanks to their support, today marks what will be the first significant work to be done at the residence since it was built more than 70 years ago. It’s an important day in the history of this magnificent home and in the history of our state.”

The First Lady and Governor welcomed a crowd of more than 100 Tennesseans attending the event, including legislators, architects and staff working on the restoration, representatives from Powell Building Group, and the Tennessee Residence Foundation Board, the not-for-profit foundation responsible for ongoing maintenance and fundraising for The Tennessee Residence.

“This residence is a state landmark. It’s a place all Tennesseans should feel proud to call ‘Tennessee’s Residence,’” Bredesen said. “We look forward to joining you all here again when this process is complete to celebrate the reopening of this remarkable Tennessee home.”

Conte announced that more than $6 million has been raised toward the overall $10 million needed to complete the four phases of the Restoration and Preservation of The Tennessee Residence. With funding for Phase I estimated at $5.9 million, construction can now be completed on repairs outlined to take place during that phase of the restoration.

Phase I of the restoration includes major infrastructure repairs and improvements that include an update of antiquated mechanical and electrical systems, which have placed many pieces of Tennessee art and 18th century furnishings at risk. In addition, the facility will be brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as it is currently inaccessible to disabled Tennesseans. A complete list of repairs to be made under Phase I of construction is outlined in an attached fact sheet.

“It’s not often that you get an opportunity like this one to work on a project of such historical significance,” said John Finch, president of Powell Building Group, Inc. “Every Powell employee is excited to know they will play a part in restoring this beautiful residence, and that they will be able to share in the beauty and glory of the result.”

Fundraising continues for subsequent phases of the remaining work, including plans to make the home more accommodating for public events. This includes the building of a conservatory that would allow larger public events to be hosted at the residence. Presently, state dinners larger than 22 people cannot be accommodated inside the home.

Some preliminary work began in 2003 with money donated from excess inaugural funds, which included replacing the 70-year-old slate roof and completing some other minor repairs. Additional work on the home will not begin until necessary funds have been raised.

In January 2003, Andrea Conte made restoring and preserving Tennessee’s Residence a priority issue for the Office of the First Lady. Ten months later, she and Governor Bredesen unveiled a plan that had been developed for restoring the residence that would provide contemporary updates while preserving the historic integrity of the house and property.

To accomplish this, Conte worked with the home’s original architects, Hart, Freeland & Roberts of Brentwood, Tenn., and State Architects Mike Fitts and Alan Robertson to develop a master plan for the restoration. While the plan outlines four phases, the major emphasis is on making key repairs to The Tennessee Residence.

Tennessee’s Residence, originally referred to as “Far Hills” because of its beautiful view, was built in 1929 by the William Ridley Wills family, and was purchased by the state of Tennessee following the death of Mr. Wills in 1949. The third and only remaining Governor’s Residence in the state, it has hosted numerous events and celebrities during its 55 years as the state’s Executive Residence. The house has been visited by famous people such as the Reverend Billy Graham, Elvis Presley, President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, President and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, and numerous governors and royalty from around the world.

To make a donation to the restoration, or for more information about the project, please call the Office of the First Lady at (615) 741.7846.