Called Legislative Plaza, the downtown Nashville district includes the state鈥檚 capital building, the War Memorial Plaza and other commemorative historical buildings and spaces.

鈥淭he project will consist of a complete office space renovation, rework of the War Memorial Plaza, upgrade to Motlow Tunnel, and modernisation of elevators, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems,鈥� said Skanska.

Work is scheduled to begin in January 2025 and reach completion in 2027.

Inside look at renovating Nashville鈥檚 War Memorial Building and Auditorium

Aerial photo of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, US, with the Tennesse State Capital building in center. (Image: Adobe Stock)

Two features of the War Memorial Plaza are the original 1450,00-sq-ft War Memorial Building and adjacent 2,000-sq-ft auditorium, both of which were constructed in 1925 as a remembrance for Tennessee soldiers lost to WWI. The structures were built in a neoclassical style featuring large columns and extra tall walls.

Skanska said the project is currently in the demolition phase for interiors, which is more than 50% complete across two wings (North and South).

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鈥淥ne of the key aspects of this project involves completely gutting the North wing while preserving architecturally significant finishes,鈥� said Skanska. 鈥淎n original light well will be recreated to allow natural light into interior offices.

鈥淭he courtyard within this light well will feature a raised pedestal paver system complete with waterproofing and storm drains below.

鈥淣ew mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection systems will be installed to enhance functionality while maintaining historic charm.鈥�

Exterior render of the War Memorial Plaza and Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, US. (Image courtesy Skanska)

In the South wing, Skanska said renovations focus on enhancing accessibility and safety standards for the auditorium. Upgrades include extending elevator service to reach the upper-level auditorium lobby, installing two new chair lifts for improved access, adding four modern restrooms, and installing a permanent non-combustible catwalk system in the attic.

鈥淎esthetically, our team is restoring exterior facades, focusing on stone cleaning, terracotta repairs and masonry elements,鈥� added Skanska. 鈥淢issing guttae and finials will be replaced as part of the restoration process as well.

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鈥淥ur team is also removing atmospheric soiling, treating biological growth and cleaning copper staining to restore all surfaces. Original steel windows are being restored too; they鈥檒l be re-glazed and mechanically fixed so they cannot be opened but effectively maintain their vintage appeal.鈥�

Skanska said the project also involves reviving lost elements or replacing those damaged beyond repair.

鈥淔or instance, where decorative terracotta or carved stone elements have been lost or damaged, our team is recreating them based on historical records or surviving examples. The large bronze doors will receive full repair and restoration services as well,鈥� said the contractor.

More about Nashville鈥檚 Legislative Plaza

In addition to housing the Tennessee State Capital building and memorials, the plaza provides public space for events and houses government office spaces and committee rooms for the Tennessee General Assembly. Additional war memorials include the Civil War Women鈥檚 Memorial and a monument to the Tennesseans who served in the Korean War.

Interior photo of the War Memorial Auditorium. (Image courtesy Skanska)

From 1939 to 1943, the auditorium served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry radio programme, a country music show that is the longest-running radio broadcast in US history.

John Feathers, assistant superintendent for the scheme and US armed services veteran, said, 鈥淭he project itself is unique in the middle of downtown. Renovating it gives me pride knowing it will be here for generations for others to enjoy and continue honouring those that served and the fallen.鈥�

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