UT’s historic Hopecote guest house is currently undergoing upgrades.
Workers will remove the home’s hail-damaged slate-tile roof, repair the structure underneath, install new water and ice-resistant roofing layers, and add new gutters and downspouts.
Hopecote is a stucco-exterior, slate-roofed, 3,500-square-foot home on Melrose Avenue. Modeled on the English Cottage Revival style by architect John Fanz Staub, Hopecote was commissioned by Emma G. Hope in 1921. It was completed in 1924 and has served as a guest house for distinguished visitors since it was purchased by the university in 1976.
In March 2012, Hopecote was approved for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
Due to its historical significance, great care has been taken to preserve original materials and aesthetics, while ensuring that crucial maintenance and repair needs are satisfied.
“A lot of planning and care has been taken to ensure the integrity of the building’s original character,” said Facilities Services Construction Director Tim Tomlinson.
Undamaged slate tile has been removed, washed, and cataloged, so that it can be reinstalled as close as possible to its original position.
After the removal began, almost half of the tiles were considered too damaged to reuse. Replacement tiles have been ordered to match the color, size, and texture of the originals.
The new gutters and downspouts also will be matched to the original materials, and the chimney will be repaired.
Completion for the project is set for mid-November.
CONTACT:
Brooke Krempa (865-974-7782, bsteve14@utk.edu)