Cornerstones Draws People and Places Together
By Chattanooga Magazine Staff

In 2009 historic preservation organization, Cornerstones, celebrated its 15th anniversary. With many successful projects completed to date and as a community partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Executive Director Ann Gray was recently asked to be one of five presenters at the Trust's national meeting. Her topic was one of her favorite properties and one of the most challenging.

Next to the landmark Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel property, the old Terminal Hotel cast its interesting triangular shadow. For over 20 years it sat empty, a derelict that was slowly falling into ruin. Its location in the heart of the Southside commercial district, an area targeted by the city of Chattanooga for revitalization, and its unusual architecture made it a compelling project. Unfortunately, efforts to procure the property were clouded by complications of the heirs of the estate it was a part of and the city prepared to condemn the building. The city issued an ultimatum "either repair the building, tear it down, or we'll tear it down for you and send you the bill."

Besides the property's complicated ownership, it was in grave condition. All three floors of the structure had collapsed and fallen through, lying in a heap of rubble on the basement floor.

With an established reputation for sound financial stewardship, integrity and the ability to advise and influence, Cornerstones got involved. As the future tenant put it, "When I saw Cornerstones [was behind the project], I knew the building was important and that a viable plan could be put together."

Cornerstones was able to secure funding from the National Trust to pay for a Historic Structures Report, which provided the preliminary structural engineering needed to more forward. Cornerstones garnered the aid of a local foundation to offer a $50,000 incentive grant to help pay for the new infrastructure. It also provided an additional $50,000 to pay for new "period correct" windows and assisted the new owners to take advantage of the historic preservation tax credits. Some of Chattanooga's other public-private programs enabled the owners to make innovative applications of sustainable infrastructure. Eighteen months and $3 million later, the old hotel is now home to the enormously popular Terminal Brewhouse. The community has been pleased with the makeover. According to Gray, the final effect of the delightful restaurant interior caused one patron to remark, "You know, historic preservation and beer are two things that really draw folks together and make communities a better place."

Different Needs for Restoration
Cornerstones becomes involved at differing levels. Recently, the Lindsay Street Hall reopened as an event venue. The former church was built by freed slaves in 1905 and was purchased by the Crisp family. The Lyndhurst Foundation and Cornerstones made funds available for the restoration of the building's remarkable stained-glass windows. The result has been a stunning example of what cooperation and dedication to preservation can accomplish. Since October 2009, Lindsay Street Hall has hosted private luncheons, parties and small concerts every weekend in the heart of downtown.

Structures of note with a 50-year age threshold are the ones Cornerstones looks for, and although it is not a foundation, it does raise funds for these projects. "We're there to influence and advise," says Ann Gray. Last September, Gray and her volunteers set up tents in a thunderstorm for the annual Wine Over Water event on the Walnut Street Bridge. Finally, after hours of stormy weather, the thunder and lightning stopped and the loyal crowds came out.

Wine Over Water tickets sell briskly and it is the only fundraising event held during the year for Cornerstones-rain or shine. Over ----- distributors display their wines for tasting and at least a half-dozen area restaurants sell specialty foods that make excellent pairings.

The next endangered property Cornerstones has targeted is the St. George Hotel. The 1924 hotel is across the street from the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The layout suggests it would make a fine boutique hotel since it had individual rooms originally and it has a central second-level patio with a beautiful terrazzo floor. Often it takes a long time to find the perfect fit, matching a property to a new owner, but Gray thinks it's well worth the effort. From the Cornerstones perspective-"our future is our history."

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