RUTLEDGE – Clinch-Powell RC&D has assumed ownership of the Nance House Arts & Heritage Center and Friendship Park from the city of Rutledge.

The transfer of the property was completed Friday, January 16 following a unanimous vote by the Rutledge Board of Mayor and Aldermen during its Thursday, January 8 meeting. Representatives of the Grainger County Historic Society and Chamber of Commerce attended the meeting to voice the organizations’ support for the transaction.

Clinch-Powell’s objective in acquiring the historic property is to restore and preserve it for the benefit of the community today and for future generations. Sparkman & Associates Architects are preparing the renovation plans to meet Historic Register specifications. Efforts to arrest the building’s deterioration will begin as soon as possible and are expected to begin in March. Initial efforts will include repairs to halt the incursion of water into the building, stabilize the foundation, control the interior moisture levels and repair areas of failing plaster. Damaged floors in the main floor community room will be repaired, and bricks that are falling from the building’s facade or are missing mortar will be repointed. Additional renovations will be undertaken once the immediate threat to the building’s integrity has been eliminated.

Clinch-Powell will now handle all community rentals at the Nance House. Reservations that have already been made through the city of Rutledge will be honored. In some instances, renters may be offered a different Clinch-Powell venue for their event due to renovations as efforts to restore the building progress. In the event someone who has an existing reservation is asked to change their venue to another Clinch-Powell downtown Rutledge property they will not incur an additional charge.

Clinch-Powell’s future plans for the building include making it more accessible to the community as a true Arts & Heritage Center. Those who wish to hold classes for arts and crafts or other activities are encouraged to reach out at 865-828-5927 or visit us at our offices in The Bryan House, 7995 Rutledge Pike, Rutledge, TN.  Clinch-Powell is a not-for-profit organization and you can learn more at clinchpowell.net.