Commissioners approve $2,500 for further inspection of Brown House; contractor to return with A/B/C cost options in two weeks

Sumner County commissioners on Monday approved a $2,500 appropriation to pay a licensed contractor for additional exploratory work at the county-owned Brown House, a multi-room historic structure the county is considering restoring as part of a park project.

The vote followed an hour-and-a-half-long presentation by Chris Coker, a licensed contractor who specializes in historic preservation, and an extended committee discussion of what Coker called the building’s “good bones” alongside later alterations and water damage. Coker committed to finish the additional inspection and return with three written options — described in committee discussion as Options A (restore core log area), B (restore larger footprint), and C (restore entire structure) — and cost estimates within two weeks.

The Brown House inspection found that parts of the building are true log construction, while other sections are later frame additions with newer floor systems and concrete piers beneath portions of the house. Coker said portions of the original first-floor framing appear to remain under one rear section he labeled “B,” while the front log area he labeled “A” has a poured concrete foundation and modern joists in places.

“It’s an absolutely beautiful house,” Cocker said during his initial remarks. He told the committee the attic and roof framing are mixed and that, because some floor and duct work still cover areas, additional demolition will be needed to see the full original footprint. “When we go under C, when we go under the floor, we’ll know exactly what we’re dealing with at that point,” he said.

Commissioners discussed restoration goals, the project’s funding and timing, and procurement rules. Committee members noted an existing county allocation of $587,000 tied to the Brown House project and asked whether the exploratory work could be completed within funds already appropriated. Coker said he would perform the additional demolition and inspection within the remaining available budget and provide the committee with the three-option cost breakdown.

Commissioner discussion also covered likely next steps if the committee pursues a period-style restoration: removing later additions to reveal original logs, replacing inappropriate modern materials, and staging minimal demolition to preserve historic fabric and to produce costed restoration alternatives for the commission’s consideration.

On the vote to appropriate funds for the contractor’s additional work, the committee amended an original $5,000 request down to $2,500. The amended motion passed; the contractor then reiterated his commitment to return with written Options A, B and C and associated cost estimates within two weeks.

The committee and Coker also discussed site access and preparation needs for the investigative work, including temporary clearing around the house and the potential need for gravel access. Committee members said they will coordinate follow-up items, including a meeting of the ad hoc restoration committee after Coker’s report is submitted so the group can consider the options and firm up procurement steps.

The county’s next formal action on the Brown House will depend on the cost options Coker provides and any budget adjustments the full commission agrees to at a later meeting.