The S&W building is one of the few Art Deco buildings existing downtown, and until preservationists stepped in to help, it was going to be torn down and replaced with something unimaginative and dreary. According to Knox Heritage, our local preservation group, it was built in 1936 when the S&W Cafeteria moved from its original location next to the Tennessee Theater. At that time, it was the most modern building in town. The cream and turquoise terra cotta facade and the original metal awning are in good condition. If you click to enlarge the photo, you can enjoy the details of the Egyptian influenced Deco patterns, and you'll see the construction lights in the upper opening. Developers are using original drawings to recreate the restaurant inside. Work has just started, and I'll keep you posted on the progress.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Resurrection
The S&W building is one of the few Art Deco buildings existing downtown, and until preservationists stepped in to help, it was going to be torn down and replaced with something unimaginative and dreary. According to Knox Heritage, our local preservation group, it was built in 1936 when the S&W Cafeteria moved from its original location next to the Tennessee Theater. At that time, it was the most modern building in town. The cream and turquoise terra cotta facade and the original metal awning are in good condition. If you click to enlarge the photo, you can enjoy the details of the Egyptian influenced Deco patterns, and you'll see the construction lights in the upper opening. Developers are using original drawings to recreate the restaurant inside. Work has just started, and I'll keep you posted on the progress.
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7 comments:
How neat that its going to be restored. That should be the first choice for every existing building.
Yes, it is an attractive building - subtle art deco.
Good Morning from Mississippi! Hope you have a great week. Keep up the good work here! That is a great post!
I'm so glad this is being preserved. It's lovely.
We just don't see that kind of detail anymore.
This is a splendid looking building. I am glad it was restored and not torn down.
Patty and I will be celebrating 53 years of marriage on July 12th. Think of it as a long-term relationship.
I have invited bloggers to offer suggestions on a gift for me to give Patty and the list would not be complete without your ideas.
Abraham Lincoln
Brookville Daily Photo
It is good to see these Art Deco buildings preserved and restored. You wouldn't think this because of its gritty image, but Oakland, CA has the largest surviving group of Art Deco buildings in California. A splendid example is the Paramount Theater.
Over at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo, "Louis" and his 'Editor" Yell at each other both in the text and in the comments....
I look forward to more. This is a gorgeous building. Potentially gorgeous-er.
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