Sunnyside restoration wins statewide awards after archaeology-focused renovation

The Metro Historical Commission—s Sunnyside restoration and interpretive plan received a Tennessee Association of Museums (TAM) Award of Excellence and a Tennessee Historical Commission certificate of merit, presenters said during the Metropolitan Historical Commission—s annual preservation awards.

Tori Mason of the Tennessee Association of Museums said the project was a first-time nominee that "not only took on a massive multimillion dollar adaptive restoration project, but they did it with thorough professionalism, including an archaeological effort to learn more about and present the story of indigenous and enslaved people."

Metro staff and partners described the work as comprehensive: the restoration included renovation of the 1852 Greek Revival mansion, reconstruction and repair of historic outbuildings, stabilization and restoration of an 1823 log residence, and new interpretive elements such as signage and self-guided tours. Project partners named in remarks included Dryden Studio (architecture/planning), Dowdle Construction, Collier Engineering (construction management), Metro Parks, and Metro Historical Commission staff.

Funding and city support: Tim Walker, executive director of the Metro Historical Commission, credited initial funding from Mayor Cooper and later supplemental funding from Mayor O'Connell that made pauses and design changes possible. Metro Parks provided capital funding as part of a parks capital plan; Collier Engineering oversaw construction management and Dryden led design and interpretation work. "This couldn't have been done without that team effort," Walker said.

Archaeology and interpretation: Presenters emphasized archaeological and scientific study methods used during the project, including forensic archaeology and paint analysis, and singled out the project's decision to leave discoveries visible for interpretation. The Tennessee Historical Commission highlighted the project's use of archaeology to expand understanding of indigenous and enslaved people's roles on the site.

Next steps and public access: Presenters said Sunnyside now functions as an office for the historic commission staff and as a public resource for research, education, and outreach; a reception was announced at the Customs House following the ceremony.

Details not specified in the remarks included the total final project budget and precise timeline for public programming and permanent exhibit opening dates.