Lakeshore Building

The Lakeshore Administration Building, originally built in 1884, is the last remaining structure of a hospital built on top of the hill and in the bend of the Tennessee River. In 2012 the Lakeshore Administration Building and the land were donated by the State of Tennessee to the City of Knoxville for the creation of a public park and the renovation of this building now houses the office of the Parks and Recreation department.

EEA served as the architect for the renovation project. Our vision was to bring the building back to original form and our top priority was opening views to the park and the river. Through a series of adaptations for various uses over the past century; the wide corridors had been subdivided to small offices, and the grand stair was enclosed with a solid wall. EEA removed non-original walls opening views and letting daylight into the hallways. We replaced the solid wall enclosing the main stair with a wood and glass storefront. As a result, a person walking up the grand stair is once again greeted by views of the Tennessee River and the mountains beyond.

The original windows and new storm windows are operable so that the staff may turn off the air conditioning and enjoy the fall breeze or songbirds from the park.

Additional interior improvements included restoring the ceilings to their original height. Doors with glass and transoms were designed to match the original height and layout; rather than the non-original 7′ doors. Furthermore, accessible bathrooms and break rooms were added to the building.

As part of the exterior renovation, EEA used historic photographs for reference to design the front porch and entry door. Existing windows were individually restored then reinstalled and new storm windows with low-e coating installed for additional energy efficiency. Consequently, the original windows and new storm windows are operable so that the staff may turn off the air conditioning and enjoy the fall breeze or songbirds in the park.

Other sustainable features include energy efficient light fixtures installed throughout the building

with daylight and vacancy sensors. New insulation board was installed at the roof and as a result, all duct work is now within conditioned space. Also, water efficient plumbing fixtures were installed including bottle filling stations at the water fountains. Low VOC paints and stains were used on the interior.

Above all, reuse of an existing building was a major, sustainable step for this renovation. Reuse eliminates land fill waste from demolition and reduces new product consumption while preserving a historically significant building. This renovation has added decades of future use to a building already over a century old.

Design Team

Elizabeth Eason Architecture LLC., Architect
Facility Systems Consultants, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineers
Mallia Engineering Company, Structural Engineers