Preserving History -Clarksville, Tennessee

Madison Street Methodist Church, Clarksville TN

Last week, I traveled to Clarksville, Tennessee for work.  I was downtown, near the river and glanced at the Clarksville skyline.  I saw a strange looking set of steeples among the various rooftops.

At first I thought it was a mirage.  They looked like fake spires.

So naturally, I had to drive across town to see what these objects were.


Here is the photo of Madison Street Methodist Church that I took from the Goodwill parking lot.

In 1999, a tornado hit Clarksville and the Methodist Church went from this.....

to this.....

in a matter of seconds.  

EOA Architects of Nashville designed the renovation. According to the architect's website, the original church building was constructed in 1882.  

I prefer the original building (who wouldn't?) but the architect did a great job of preserving history.  A tornado wiping out the church is certainly part of its history!  Such a shame to see such a beautiful building destroyed at the hands of nature, but I am impressed with how the architect -and church body- chose to preserve the history of the structure while rebuilding.

Appropriately - the architect received awards for this rehab....   

Madison Street United Methodist Church

Clarksville, Tennessee

     "Rehabilitation and Renovation Award," by Clarksville TN Design Review Board, 2004

     "Citation," by AIA Middle Tennessee, 2003

     "Excellence in Development Award," by Excellence In Development Committee, 2003

Enjoy your day!