Architecture of Middle Tennessee: The Historic American Buildings Survey - Expanded Edition
This expanded edition preserves the complete documentation of Middle Tennessee's most significant historic buildings through the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS). Originally published in 1974 by Vanderbilt University Press, this architectural survey was created to document buildings facing potential loss, yet remarkably, most structures featured still stand today.
Comprehensive HABS Documentation
The book draws from photographs, measured drawings, and historical data assembled by the National Park Service's Historic American Buildings Survey during 1970-1971. This systematic documentation provides detailed architectural analysis of Middle Tennessee's built heritage, offering researchers, preservationists, and architecture enthusiasts an authoritative reference for the region's historic structures.
Expanded Content from the Archives
This reissue includes all original text and images from the first edition, plus previously unpublished materials discovered in the Vanderbilt University Press archives. The additional HABS photographs and diagrams from the 1970s survey provide more comprehensive coverage of Middle Tennessee's architectural landscape, making this the definitive edition of this preservation landmark.
New Introduction on Preservation Lessons
Aja Bain's introduction examines why these buildings survived when demolition seemed inevitable. Her analysis explores preservation strategies that succeeded over nearly five decades and considers how contemporary preservationists can apply these lessons to protect a broader range of historic structures representing diverse communities and architectural traditions.
About the Contributors
Thomas B. Brumbaugh, professor of fine arts at Vanderbilt University, authored the original survey. Martha I. Strayhorn and Gary G. Gore contributed as Vanderbilt University Press staff members. Aja Bain, program and publications manager for the American Association for State and Local History and editor of History News magazine, provides the new introduction. She serves as president of the Inter-Museum Council of Nashville and board member of Historic Nashville, Inc.
This paperback edition serves as both historical record and preservation guide for anyone studying Tennessee architecture, regional history, or historic building documentation methodology.
