Committee forwards Brown House restoration estimate to budget as residents press for preservation

Committee forwards Brown House restoration estimate to budget as residents press for preservation

The Sumner County General Operations Committee on March 3 voted to forward an exploratory contractor estimate for restoration of the Brown House to the county budget office, clearing the next procedural step toward starting tear-out and assessment work, committee members said.

The Brown House has been the subject of repeated public comment because a local donor left an intended gift to the county for the property’s restoration. Committee members and multiple residents said the county has not yet received the funds and urged officials to honor the donor’s wishes.

Family members and neighbors described the house’s local history and urged preservation. A resident who identified himself as Jim recounted family ties to the property and asked that the house be restored “so people can appreciate and use it.” Monica Brown said the family wants the home preserved and supported an exploratory process to determine needed repairs. Thomas White and Michael Clark, who live near the site, urged the county to form a committee and move the work forward so the structure does not deteriorate further.

Public commenter Laura Baker told the committee she believes Vanguard is withholding the county’s funds and suggested the county consider legal action if the trustee does not release money. Baker said the group submitted paperwork and has not received the funds; county staff confirmed at the meeting that the funds had not yet arrived.

County staff said a contractor, Century Innovations (Chris Cope), has provided an initial quote for exploratory work that would remove first-floor finishes and HVAC systems so the building’s condition can be assessed. Scott Shamrock, who briefed the committee, said the exploratory work would not include removing masonry and is intended to produce detailed options and cost estimates (options A–C) that the committee can use for budgeting and procurement.

Commissioner Miller made the motion to forward the contractor’s exploratory estimate to the county budget office for appropriation; Commissioner Jones seconded. Committee members discussed that the tear-out and assessment are the first step to determining an overall project cost that could range widely depending on the options selected; staff referenced capital portfolio pages 30–45 for the packet estimate. Committee members asked that the item be returned for committee review once budget staff vet the appropriation and the contractor provides bid options.

Next steps include the county budget office reviewing the forwarded estimate and staff scheduling further committee consideration after appropriation. Staff also said they will notify the family and provide estimates once the exploratory work is complete.

Votes at a glance: Motion to forward exploratory contractor estimate for Brown House restoration to the county budget office — Mover: Commissioner Miller; Second: Commissioner Jones; Outcome: approved (voice vote at committee).