Qualified Remodeler Magazine

MAY 2014

Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.

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ForResidentialPros.com QR May 2014 19 Through thoughtful design and execution, this visitor center showcases regional talent and attributes in Franklin, Tenn. Tennessee visitor center takes shape where a clothing store once stood A s the site of one of the most significant Civil War battles, Franklin, Tenn., is a big draw for history buffs. A 20-mile drive south of Nashville, the town also has other treasures to share, surprising tourists with a wealth of art, design, craftsmanship and music. During the renovation of the Franklin Visitor Center, showcasing this mix of rich history, local talent and Southern hospitality became a priority. The former 150-sq.-ft. visitor center needed to expand and found the ideal space when a 1,391-sq.-ft. clothing store moved out of downtown. The visitors' bureau approached Scott Wilson Architect to help with the renovation. "I'm proud of our county's phenomenal artisans and craftspeople and saw the space as an opportunity to give back to our community," says Scott Wilson, principal of Scott Wilson Architect. "The shared vision of presenting local talent throughout the center's space really inspired a full team effort." NECESSITY DRIVES INNOVATION Timing and budget were tight. By the time the design and regulatory permits were complete, the facility had only 30 days to get up and running. Combined with a total project cost of $57,000, creativity was in order. The team also had a real commitment to sustainability, and solutions arose that met multiple objectives. R e - p u r p o s i n g a s m a n y existing elements as possible r e d u c e d c o s t s a n d k e p t materials out of the landfill. The former space's clothing racks, storage area and shelving were reused for the visitor center's retail space and stocked with T-shirts and souvenirs. The concrete slab was cleaned and given a protective finish. The team retained 90 percent of the lighting fixtures and replaced incandescent bulbs with LEDs. As halogen bulbs in existing track lights burn out, they are replaced with LEDs, which reduce the space's heating and cooling load and offers superior longevity. Wilson took great care to ensure the existing elements look intentional in the new design. A decorative vinyl wrap was affixed to the door of a non-functioning elevator that was too expensive to repair or remove. Sourcing local design and building materials supported t h e e c o n o m y, r e d u c e d transportation costs and helped adhere to the tight deadline. The team obtained salvaged barn wood and roofing from the Tennessee Barn Project for custom pieces such as the reception desk, privacy nooks, benches, interactive area, retail space and two display tables. Existing concrete columns were also wrapped in the wood. "We wanted to give the space a historic look, and the reclaimed, weathered wood has so much character and gives a nod to the region's heri- tage," notes Wilson. "It was also a wonderful way to show what can be done with repur- posed materials to reduce CO2 emissions." COMPANY INFORMATION Scott Wilson Architect, Franklin, Tenn. scottwilsonarchitect.com Full-time employees: 2 Annual Remodeling projects: 8 to 10 Residential: 60 percent Commercial: 40 percent Bid: 100 percent PROJECT INFORMATION Visitor Center, Franklin, Tenn. Square footage before: 1,391 Square footage after: 1,391 Project cost: $57,000 PRODUCT INFORMATION Cabinets: Reclaimed oak Door hardware: Emtek Flooring: Existing stained concrete QUR_18-21_MDS514.indd 19 4/28/14 10:00 AM

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