BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
Efforts to restore both century-old homes in Bristol’s historic neighborhoods and commercial buildings that have long been a part of the downtown landscape were recognized last week as officials from Bristol, Va., and Bristol, Tenn., gathered to present the cities’ 2024 Historic Preservation Awards.
Each city also presented Stewardship Awards to individuals for significant preservation efforts during the ceremony at the historic Bristol Train Station.
Held in conjunction with the national observance of Historic Preservation Month and hosted by the City of Bristol, Va., the event marked the first joint awards program since both cities began recognizing historic preservation efforts.
“The property owners we recognized tonight have invested their time, physical labor, and monetary resources as a labor of love,” Daniel Shew, chair of the Bristol Virginia Historic Preservation Committee, said.. “No matter how large or small the project, any investment in preserving an old building is a huge investment in our community that will benefit citizens for years to come. These efforts play a role in developing safer and more vibrant neighborhoods, while preserving the rich history, culture, character, and landscape of our cities.”
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Lucia Schneider of the Bristol Tennessee Historic Preservation Committee agreed, adding “Coming together to celebrate preservation efforts on both sides of the state line and share the rich history that is reflected in our grand old buildings reminds us all that Bristol truly is a special place with a remarkable past and a promising future.”
Bristol Virginia Historic Preservation Awards
Susan and Clyde Long were presented with the Solar Hill Historic District Award for their efforts to save a 1925 bungalow at 820 Sycamore Street. The couple began by installing a new roof to stop numerous leaks and protect the home from further damage, then rebuilt the chimney, repaired the crumbling brick foundation, and re-glazed the windows before adding a three-color paint scheme to give new life to this historic home in one of Bristol’s oldest neighborhoods.
- The Downtown Commercial Historic District Award was presented to Bonnie Flinner and Clinton Holly for their work to restore the three-story brick building located at 152 Lee Street that is now home to The Earnest Tubb recording studio. The building is one of only a few in the immediate area that survived the urban renewal movement. After purchasing the building in 2016, the couple removed an old stucco façade, installed new windows, painted the exterior, and created access to a second-floor residential area. The front door was also restored, creating an entrance that takes visitors back to the building’s1909 beginnings.
- The Stewardship Award was presented to Brittany and Tyler Rutherford for preservation efforts that have transformed the buildings at 501 and 503 State Street – built in 1890 and 1904, respectively — to highly sought-after space downtown. Great strides were taken to save many of the original features of the two buildings as the couple worked tirelessly to transform them to include ground-floor commercial space with residential areas above. Through their work, the couple has made a significant contribution to the local economy and made it possible for Bristol residents to work, shop, and live downtown.
Bristol Tennessee Historic Preservation Awards
Bristol businessman Allen Hurley was presented with the Downtown Commercial Historic District Award for extensive renovations to the two-story brick building at 815 Shelby Street. Built in 1910, it was the first industrial building in Bristol to have electric power. After purchasing the building at auction in 2015, Mr. Hurley completed extensive interior renovations to prepare the structure for two commercial tenants, then greatly enhanced the building’s outward appearance by removing a deteriorating wood awning, installing new windows, cleaning the façade, and applying a fresh coat of paint.
- The Holston Historic District Award was presented to George and Junella McClellan, who have lived at the 1920s Craftsman Bungalow at 904 7th Avenue for more than 50 years. After purchasing the home in 1972, the couple went to work to save the picturesque home’s historic features, including a brick basem*nt with cedar-shake shingles, square columns, exposed beams, brick chimneys, and an inviting front porch with a full-length gable roof and dentil molding. A one-story garage to the rear of the house once served as the servants’ quarters but is now used as a guest house. Junella’s love for landscaping is evident in the magnificent gardens that make the home a neighborhood treasure.
- The Fairmount Historic District Award was presented to Barry and Kelly Frisbee for their two-story Queen Anne home at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue. The home was built about 1890, and the original property deed was signed by tobacco tycoon R.J. Reynolds. The stately home was in a serious state of disrepair just three years ago but has now been restored to showcase the brick foundation, weatherboard siding, cross-gable roof with box cornice and gable-end brackets, and a
n impressive wrap-around porch with wood railings and columns situated on brick piers. Fresh landscaping, courtesy of the Frisbees, adds to the home’s overall charm.
- Garry and Teresa Slagle were presented with both the Citywide Award and the Stewardship Award for their painstaking efforts to save the majestic two-story Victorian home at 912 Anderson Street from demolition. Built just befor
e the turn of the century, the house was once the home of Dr. George M. Peavler, an ear-nose-and-throat doctor with a thriving practice on nearby 6th Street. The Slagles bought the home in 2016 and embarked on an 8-year journey to transform the magnificent structure back to its former glory, touching every surface of the home’s interior, and removing overgrown weeds, repairing and replacing siding, rebuilding columns, duplicating ornamental features, and rebuilding the wrap-around porch that has long made the home a Bristol showplace.
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- Architecture
- Buildings And Structures
- Construction
- Historic Preservation
- Architectural Design
- Architectural Elements
- Queensland Heritage Register
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