Commission approves revision in scope for Henry Horton State Park lodge reconstruction

The State Building Commission approved a revision in scope, funding reallocation and early design work for the Henry Horton State Park lodge reconstruction, presented by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and EOA Architects.

TDEC Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel Jenny Howard told the commission the department requests approval to reallocate funds from administration and miscellaneous to construction and designer-fee lines to cover current estimates while keeping the total project funding at $89,990,000. The revision in scope includes demolition of the existing swimming pool, pool support structures and the former restaurant.

Michael Murdock of EOA Architects presented the early design proposal and site plan. The design shifts the park entrance to improve circulation and provide a clearer approach to the restaurant, visitor center and the proposed new 76-room, four-story lodge. Murdock described a boomerang-shaped lodge with banquet spaces, a glass-fronted lobby, a north-facing amenity deck and a pool area outside the lobby. The design aims to locate the lodge outside the flood plain and preserve views of a nearby meadow and the Duck River.

On programmatic details, Murdock said the lodge design includes roughly 3,000 square feet of banquet space and 76 guest rooms, and described mass timber for interior finishes and steel for exterior durability. Commissioner Bridal asked about conference capacity; Murdock said the combined banquet rooms seat slightly more than 200 at tables and can accommodate about 500 for presentations or standing-room arrangements. He said the banquet area totals about 4,000 square feet.

Howard said TDEC understands removing the pool removes an existing amenity for the community and committed to continuing conversations with Representative Warner, Senator Hensley, Mayor Kenny and local officials about recreational opportunities. Howard said the department is discussing grant opportunities and partnering with the Conservancy to offer reduced-cost swimming lessons at a pool 20 minutes from the lodge.

Commissioners moved and approved the revision in scope and funding reallocation on a voice vote. The commission recorded discussions about circulation, accessibility and design choices and asked TDEC to continue community engagement about recreational alternatives.

Ending: The project will proceed to design with the revised scope; commissioners and TDEC said they would continue outreach to local officials and community stakeholders about recreational impacts and alternatives.