The Tennessee State Penitentiary, colloquially known as the Tennessee State Prison, presents an imposing sight mere minutes from downtown Nashville. The Gothic-inspired administration building and guard shacks were constructed to instill trepidation in the incarcerated population. The layout bore a striking resemblance to a fortification, with thick, stone masonry walls intended to preclude escapes into the neighboring community.
The Tennessee State Penitentiary, colloquially known as the Tennessee State Prison, presents an imposing sight mere minutes from downtown Nashville. The Gothic-inspired administration building and guard shacks were constructed to instill trepidation in the incarcerated population. The layout bore a striking resemblance to a fortification, with thick, stone masonry walls intended to preclude escapes into the neighboring community.
The initial plans for a penitentiary in central Tennessee originated in 1815, but construction was not finalized until 1831. The nascent prison encompassed 200 cells, a storehouse, a hospital, and living quarters for the warden, but swiftly became overcrowded. By 1858, capacity had escalated to 353 beds, an insufficient measure to allay concerns regarding overcrowding. In 1893, the state legislature authorized the construction of a new state prison designed to accommodate 1,000 inmates on 1,200 acres, which was completed in 1898.
Tennessee eagerly populated the new facility, admitting over 1,400 prisoners on the inaugural day, thereby engendering immediate overcrowding. These issues only exacerbated over time – in addition to severe overcrowding, sanitary deficiencies precipitated several riots throughout the years. It was not until 1983 that a class action lawsuit was filed, resulting in the prison’s closure to new inmates due to “overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and non-existent ventilation.” The “hellish and barren prison” shuttered its doors in 1992.
However, in the nineteen years since its closure, the edifice has hosted solely filmmakers and a handful of photographers. The prison’s condition has deteriorated considerably. Moisture infiltration has wrought extensive mold and mildew infestation throughout, coupled with asbestos piping in a state of degradation. Structural issues have yet to compromise any of the primary buildings, although several guard towers are in poor condition.
Currently, no plans exist for the repurposing of the Tennessee State Penitentiary site. It is not listed on any historical, national, or local register. Furthermore, it cannot be utilized as another prison or jail due to the court’s ruling. While not facing imminent demolition, the buildings will continue to deteriorate. Heat and humidity rapidly take their toll after only a few years of closure, and this prison has remained sealed since 1992. Given its proximity to downtown Nashville, repurposing the building should be a more pressing concern, although its highly specialized design and construction impede its ability to be renovated for alternative purposes.
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Add Yours →[…] stated on the site; https://www.abandonedonline.net/2011/06/13/endangered-2011-tennessee-state-penitentiary/ it states that this building and location is not listed on any historic register, national or […]
Unfortunately, I don't know that Nashville actually needs another university or similar type of institution. That is what would make the best use of a complex like this with dormitories and classrooms, etc. Unfortunately, not many other reuses are possible and, barring the institution idea, it will probably be demolished to make room for further development in Nashville. Such a shame to see fantastic architecture and design go to waste like this…
Look at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, it has become a moderately sucessful tourist attraction and has been partially restored by several fan clubs. It has also been used in many films.
It's too bad that the administrative part of the prison could not be turned into condos. I know in my hometown they converted old cotton warehouses into condos. It's just a shame that these buildings that show so much character are left to sit and rot away. Just a shame. The workmanship is a lost craft.
Jason Shepard October 2, 2011 Unfortunately, I don’t know that Nashville actually needs atheonr university or similar type of institution. That is what would make the best use of a complex like this with dormitories and classrooms, etc. Unfortunately, not many other reuses are possible and, barring the institution idea, it will probably be demolished to make room for further development in Nashville. Such a shame to see fantastic architecture and design go to waste like this