RESOLUTION NO. RS2016-305

A resolution urging the State of Tennessee to preserve the historic Masonic buildings located at the R.S. Gass State Complex.

WHEREAS, the Home for Aged Masons and the Masonic Boys School, both located at the R.S. Gass State Complex in the Inglewood neighborhood of Nashville, have been proposed for demolition by the State of Tennessee in the FY17 Proposed Capital Project Appropriations; and

WHEREAS, completed in 1915, the Home for Aged Masons is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its exceptional institutional Colonial Revival-style architecture, its use as a home for widows, orphans, and the aged, and its use as a tuberculosis hospital from 1941 until the 1970s; and

WHEREAS, the Masonic Boys School, constructed in approximately 1915, is also eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and provides another example of Colonial Revival architecture in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, these buildings tell the story of the Inglewood community, contribute significantly to the social history of the state of Tennessee, and serve as examples of fine craftsmanship and architecture of the era; and for these and other reasons merit preservation.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY THAT:

Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as urging the State of Tennessee to preserve, not demolish, the Home for Aged Masons and the Masonic Boys School located at the R.S. Gass State Complex.

Section 2. The Metropolitan County Council recommends that the State of Tennessee cease demolition plans in order to find an alternative use or owner for the buildings, and to consider using the funds previously allocated for demolition to renovate and preserve the two buildings.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the State Architect, the Commissioner of the Department of General Services, the Tennessee Historical Commission, and to the State Building Commission.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Nancy VanReece, Jeff Syracuse, Brett Withers, Tanaka Vercher, Burkley Allen, Fabian Bedne, Mina Johnson, Angie Henderson, Mary Carolyn Roberts