[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6228723,"mediaKeyId","3468386-3e06105ce35ab3e009ccef405f8ee8c6","parentId",3468386,"title","Engineer recommends exposing and preserving core log walls of Sumner County’s Brown House; preliminary estimate $119,800","audioSeconds",7139,"startMs",111000,"endMs",7250000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3468386-3e06105ce35ab3e009ccef405f8ee8c6&start=111&end=7250","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3468386-3e06105ce35ab3e009ccef405f8ee8c6/thumbnail_111000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6228723/Sumner-County/Tennessee/Engineer-recommends-exposing-and-preserving-core-log-walls-of-Sumner-Countys-Brown-House-preliminary-estimate-119800","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228723-7b1e96c4eafeee3bb0248cf85c4d9c4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770498346&Signature=a426yaPFI-JXnyxVWKSDx3DNYXrHdFKmyh9ADl357eyhPnBBUzF6bm6KoxaHhnfOVab6mrVW7GcxwsJTn9V5w4PCGILkqVor~g5gS9dXtQR-dwRavwzBqMv~tHndO7U9gL45S6SK61pMHP79rYmMYdTTzzlxddIRZ0WY1tCGsz25LfshbsPrtS6MzIxrWg1H-3nl1Fzoeyi-iJjInv4FLsuYNStYiYdVR8zVgPuppi~vGsJ2ZU6dej5m5u6zqFAiMltVNZWdJFfKUnDtq7WV-geHQ4wNjIQhwbfBuv6H9vUB~lvW8aaWAu~bS62jjFwZEA67kRMXKSh6bkJ4ykTalg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sumner County, TN","date","2025-05-23T19:06:56.45Z","article","Sumner County’s Brown House ad hoc committee heard a condition assessment and a set of preservation recommendations at its May 22 meeting, including exposing original log walls, applying an exterior oil sealer and new chinking, and bringing existing utilities up to code. The consultant’s preliminary line-item work and fees shown to the committee add to about $119,800, though the presenter said final costs will depend on what is revealed once brick veneer and interior finishes are removed.

The engineering notes read into the record recommended “expose the log wall inside and out and fix the issues noted above,” apply an exterior oil sealer, install new chinking throughout the house, and “demo the 1960s edition” (the later brick-veneered section) while preserving the 1830s log addition. The presenter summarized the consultant’s overall condition score as “about a 6½ to 7,” and told the group the house is “salvageable” but that unknowns remain until the brick and some interior finishes are removed for inspection.

Why it matters: The house sits on property tied to Sumner County and local schools and is the focus of a county-funded restoration effort. Mr. Brown, the donor discussed in public remarks, left $500,000 toward local projects including this house; the committee must decide how much of those funds to allocate and whether additional fundraising or grants are needed.

Most important facts and recommendations: the assessment separates the building into at least three historic layers. The oldest core (referred to in the report as Section A, the log-cabin portion) shows salvageable logs and an original roof structure; an 1830s addition (sections B and C in the report) includes round, debarked posts and wide plank floors; a later mid-20th-century brick veneer and subfloor appear to be intrusive and, the consultant suggested, may be demolished or retained only as a service area. Specific recommended actions read to the committee included removing the brick veneer in places to assess log replacement and chinking needs, removing modern subfloor in Section A if the committee opts to reinstall wide random plank flooring, and addressing a structural opening where logs were removed to create a 12-foot-wide opening in the dining room.

Costs and uncertainties: Committee members heard a preliminary budget list that includes: $8,000 to remove the existing roof covering, $18,000 to install a new roof, $16,000 to remove exterior brick veneer and siding materials, $10,000 to remediate a concrete porch/slab, $4,800 in master/consultant fees, $14,000 for new windows and doors, roughly $16,000 for electrical work, $13,000 for plumbing work, and $20,000 for heating/AC options. The presenter said those figures sum to about $119,800 but cautioned that those line items omit critical unknowns — primarily the extent of log and chinking work behind the veneer — and that the estimate is incomplete until the brick comes off and the interior investigation proceeds.

Committee members discussed treatment choices the consultant flagged: restore and expose original wide plank flooring where found, or retain later hardwood that is “presentable”; repair and tuckpoint the masonry where appropriate; and bring utilities to current code. The presenter noted that some windows had been “buried” under later finishes and that restoring original window openings would require locating and matching replacement logs.

Public comment and context: Kevin Baker, a member of the public who spoke during recognition of the public, called the house “a gem” and urged archaeological and historical study, including possible carbon-dating of beams and involvement of local university expertise. County Commissioner Christy Miller described family ties to the area and called the house “a hidden treasure” for Sumner County history.

Next steps: The committee agreed to schedule further exploration, including an on-site tour and additional investigative work by the consultant. Staff and committee members were directed to return with tighter cost estimates and options for short-term stabilization and long-term rehabilitation for consideration at GenOps and future budget hearings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Latimer (Brown) House Restoration Ad-Hoc Committee (Cam2) 5/22/25","oneSentenceSummary","Sumner County’s Brown House ad hoc committee heard a condition assessment and a set of preservation recommendations at its May 22 meeting, including exposing original log walls, applying an exterior oil sealer and new chinking, and bringing existing utilities up to code.","taxTitle","Sumner County, Tennessee","taxId",19115,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6228715,"Sumner County Brown House ad hoc committee elects chair, sets tentative meeting schedule",791,393000,1184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3468386-3e06105ce35ab3e009ccef405f8ee8c6&start=393&end=1184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3468386-3e06105ce35ab3e009ccef405f8ee8c6/thumbnail_393000.jpg","/articles/6228715/Sumner-County/Tennessee/Sumner-County-Brown-House-ad-hoc-committee-elects-chair-sets-tentative-meeting-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228715-cd1fa76a9743e47f3d9fc55f7f3b8b43/orig.mp4?Expires=1770498346&Signature=X7HJSzwaXbHBZP1hiQmywya8EEHJ7p6ejQNxQ57KHlk3NbIcOhMGJUoRKLtGrBI1Wm4~eipo6gyF--Mw6gd0YWaSFr5rwPZQXdjCptUNHaZ1cAogvPaXhpNDnux31MVKSVnsdovww5bec~G0hbNpe51FQ7foHeFji3DM8ivAzU1uLozBDKk1Pasay6SujvMmD~dINZrUtBfyHv5qSOZYLzX2CJEQc40fZv8aCBE1zNcnUyKblwjIJ-TArlpTmiAIbfeHBXI-11AQ6U4ClklnJo58Wk6Jv37L2IkybZvqQXgjD3HVpwszt4ehWhuISKMtjfBoUjnRqRd95FlBPb42mQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sumner County Brown House restoration ad hoc committee elected Jerry Mansfield chairman during its May 22 meeting and set a tentative standing meeting schedule of the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. The group also agreed it will remain flexible: members may call special or added meetings to expedite decisions and present items to GenOps or the full commission as needed.

Why it matters: Establishing leadership and a predictable meeting schedule gives the committee a straightforward path to manage the investigative and budgeting work required to preserve the Brown House. Committee members said a focused ad hoc structure helps avoid lengthy general-operations meetings and allows subject-matter discussion with residents, school-board members and volunteers.

Actions taken: A nomination for Jerry Mansfield as chairman was placed and seconded; the motion carried. The committee tentatively agreed to meet on a recurring basis on the third Thursday at 7 p.m., with the understanding the calendar will be adjusted when necessary and that special site visits and Thursday walk-throughs can be scheduled on shorter notice.

Context and operations: Members briefly reviewed committee rules for order and public comment, agreed to speak through the chair, and discussed suspending normal rules to permit more informal exploration during presentations. Several committee members stressed orderly recognition of public commenters and turn-taking during site discussions. The group planned a site visit and a follow-up meeting (a workshop with the consultant) to review exploration findings and to discuss next steps for budget and stabilization work.","The ad hoc committee chose Jerry Mansfield as chairman and set a tentative regular meeting schedule for the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.; members also agreed to hold ad hoc tours and special call meetings as needed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6228720,"Committee asks highway staff to explore temporary drive/culvert to reach Brown House amid school–county ownership questions",1690,4717000,6407000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3468386-3e06105ce35ab3e009ccef405f8ee8c6&start=4717&end=6407","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3468386-3e06105ce35ab3e009ccef405f8ee8c6/thumbnail_4717000.jpg","/articles/6228720/Sumner-County/Tennessee/Committee-asks-highway-staff-to-explore-temporary-driveculvert-to-reach-Brown-House-amid-schoolcounty-ownership-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228720-24c6395f6a813b8abc0789f69652e0b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770498346&Signature=MqbW9NBCUussKRLlwqMtvSN8dOoU0XXjpfbyzcALwAeBv71r-5tL7ZM8iXDPyF8DZSHqioKa6~U5DERo4buXxz9izKdAQo3a~Z6d-naa9sIIcCefPMoS5wm3i5cxluYlR42rcaN4WO9IF96iYGSR4h21qt7hPdRFvTeAaaMWX2FCGmZd04kTr7fVqbf5zbw-ha~FWPlpFIKYs38VM12RoqoB9erzv3nvdbrVgljSE1UEqcai8o~4pXF4~g9ow8RWgm3dnbAzN29if1jco4~TqlChXwnvrx0nnxk4cDdXwurraSDAljNqRh9DHaI4olNXylkRZVMZBLRv-wgAmRCUHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sumner County’s Brown House restoration ad hoc committee voted at its May 22 meeting to ask county highway staff to explore the technical requirements to create an access cut — including a culvert and temporary gravel drive — to reach the Brown House. Committee members said a short-term gravel access or temporary surface will allow contractors and consultants to work safely on the site while longer-term access and parking decisions are resolved.

A motion to “send the highway to explore what it takes to put in the tile [culvert] and the access gravel” was made and seconded; the group discussed a short-term “temporary” approach using pipe and compacted gravel or crushed stone that could later be upgraded to a permanent culvert and paved access if needed. The committee repeatedly emphasized minimizing soft-ground impacts and ensuring the culvert size and drainage are correct for the site.

Why it matters: Restorative work and further investigative demolition cannot proceed in earnest without reliable access for equipment and crews. Committee members also said legal clarity about ownership and maintenance responsibility for the access will affect timing and who will pay for longer-term improvements.

Ownership and permitting questions: Several committee members and participants said the access area is currently under school-system control and may not yet be adopted as a county road, creating potential delay, and the group agreed to get engineering and legal guidance. The presenter said he would check property lines and consult county engineering and the county attorney to confirm whether the county can proceed and whether permits or school consent are required. Public commenters mentioned environmental constraints; a speaker said that a state environmental agency requirement had been cited previously (TDEC), and the meeting included a reference to TVA-required plantings and possible wetland or salamander habitat in the area.

Costs and approach: Committee discussion referenced a range of possible fixes from a short-term temporary crossing (PVC pipe and crushed stone/gravel) to a more substantial 18-inch reinforced concrete pipe culvert and associated grading and gravel. Committee members said the work could be contracted, donated, or done through the highway department depending on jurisdiction and budget availability; staff were asked to obtain rough cost estimates and to consult Director-level staff about operational support and potential donated materials or equipment.

Next steps: Committee members directed staff to identify the property lines, coordinate with engineering and counsel, and obtain estimates for a temporary and a permanent access solution. The group also discussed arranging a site visit and agreed to pursue preliminary conversations with school leadership and highway staff to assess whether the work requires school board approval.","The ad hoc committee recommended county highway staff explore a culvert and gravel access to provide a temporary construction driveway to the Brown House. Members flagged possible jurisdictional friction because the access area is currently managed by the school system and may involve wetlands and environmental requirements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Engineer recommends exposing and preserving core log walls of Sumner County’s Brown House; preliminary estimate $119,800

Sumner County Brown House ad hoc committee elects chair, sets tentative meeting schedule

Committee asks highway staff to explore temporary drive/culvert to reach Brown House amid school–county ownership questions