Nashville's TN Parthenon

Why was this exact replica of the Greek Parthenon here in Nashville?

The city of Nashville decided to construct a full scale replica of the Parthenon in Greece to celebrate the Tennessee Centennial Celebration in 1897. The actual 100th anniversary of statehood was in 1896, but organizers blamed the lack of funds and the presidential election for the delay in construction until 1897. The Parthenon is made of plaster, brick, and wood and took a total of ten years to complete. The first stone was laid in 1895 and hence the city became known as the "Athens of the South."

The Centenial Tennessee Exposition was held May 1 - October 30, 1897. Like a world's fair, all the exhibit buildings are temporary and made of inexpensive materials. It was a huge success and over the six month duration, approximately 1.8 million people attend the Centennial.

By 1898, most of the building were removed or destroyed. Only the Parthenon remained after the Tennessee Centennial Celebration because of its popularity. In 1920, the city of Nashville decided to make the Parthenon a permenant structure. A local artist, Russell Hart, was hired for the reconstruction. the Parthenon was rebuilt as a full-scale replica of the ancient Parthenon with one large exception. The colossal statue of Athena from ancient times, however, was not in this replica. In 1982, the city commissioned Alan LeQuire to build a full-scale replica of Athena Parthenos. The Athena Fund was founded to raise money. Starting with funds accumulated over the years from the nickels and dimes of school children and tourists, the Athena Fund grew rapidly through private and commercial donations.

Location: West End Avenue and 25th Avenue, In Centennial Park, Nashville, Tennessee.
Call 615-862-8431 for more information or email tours@parthenon.org.

Radnor Lake

Middle Tennessee has an abundance of lakes and rivers. One of the best known is Radnor Lake. It's located in Davidson County south of Metropolitan Nashville in the Oak Hill Community. Radnor lake is approximately and 85-acre nature sanctuary with an abundance of wildlife and plants. It also has some of the highest hills in the Nashville area.

The lake was used impounded in 1914 by the Nashville Railroad Company and the Louisville to supply water for their steam engines and livestock at the nearby Radnor Yards. The site was also used at a private hunging and fishing preserve for the L & N officials and their guests. After the construction of the lake, birds began feeding and resting on the last as they continued their annual migration. The L & N executive vice-president discontinued the hunting and fishing and declared the area a wildlife sanctuary as requested by the Tennessee Ornithological Society.

The trails are reserved strictly for hiking. No pets or joggers are allowed. It is a place that provides scenic, biological, geological, and passive recreational opportunities not found in other metropolitan areas of Nashville's size. Radnor's geology is fascinating and complex. The rocks, which form its hills and valleys, were deposited on the floor of a shallow, tropical, inland sea 500,000,000 years ago.

Radnor’s geography, and climate create diverse habitats for an abundant variety of species. The lush, rolling hills and tranquil waters are known to support at least 130 species of trees and shrubs, 400 varieties of wildflowers and plants like ferns and mosses, 40 species of amphibians and reptiles, 250 types of birds, 18 types of fish, innumerable insects and spiders, and at least 23 sorts of mammals including: humans, deer, coyotes, bobcats, beavers, mink, rabbits, muskrats, otters, skunks, raccoons, and rabbits.

Yearly events include: canoe floats, wildflower walks, astronomy night hikes, nature hikes, programs on snakes, cave ecology, and birds of prey, plus a whole lot more. A great place to check out.

Friends of Radnor Lake

What is wainscoting?

Wainscoting has been around for several hundred years. It is basically a paneling that is used on the lower part of the wall on the inside of a house. It can be made of many materials including, wood, marble, heavy fabric, and tile. By definition, is it a treatment that is used between the chair rail and the baseboard. This wall treatment can be found in many historic homes. It added to the durability of the plaster walls and protected them from children and pets hitting or scratching the walls, especially in the halls, dining and other high traffic areas. It hid uneven walls and can be found in most homes that were built before the 1840's.

In the past, the most popular material for wainscoting was wood. It was inexpensive and there was plenty material available. Often the wainscoting was made from the wood sides of wagons. It was used in many elegant homes because of the rich wood and warmth it added to a room.

The height of wainscoting can vary anywhere from 38 inches to over 72 inches. The typical wood style was a tongue and groove and the top was usually finished with a decorative wood edge. In the mid nineteen hundreds the taller style of wainscoting became more popular. A room could be completed in wood for under $150.

Many builders are coming back to wainscoting, especially with the many wood and synthetic materials available. It's often used in the foyer, dining room and even used in bathrooms. It can be found in most home improvement stores. It adds a distinctive elegance to a room while adding durability and adds to a home's value.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home?

During the home buying boom years between 2003 -2005, there was a rush of buyers wanting a home and this put the sellers in the driver's seat and calling the shots. Since then real estate market has been slowing down in many parts of the country now the buyers are in the driver's seat.

Several reasons for buying a home now:
1. There are plenty of homes on the market in all price ranges
2. Prices are competitive
3. Interest rates are very affordable
4. Sellers are ready to bargin
5. Builders are willing to offer attractive inventives on new homes

First-time home buyers are choosing to keep renting and "play safe" and opting to postpone the opportunity to build wealth in home equity. Owning a home could easily cost no or little more than paying rent. Also, this market is seeing a tightening in rental availability and rates are rising.

No one can totally predict the peaks and valleys in the housing market. If you sit on the "fence" waiting for the best deal, you may miss out on the opportunity to become a homeowner. Remember, there are great tax benefits received by homeowners and they can accumulate equity with a relatively small investment.

It's always a good idea to enlist the services of a licensed realtor who can help you find your perfect home. An experienced agent can work with you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have.

Getting Your Home Ready for Winter

Taking the time to winterize your home can help avoid hazards like fires, frozen pipes and help reduce those heating bills.

1. Clean gutters of leaves and other debris. This will allow rain, snow and melting ice to be removed more quickly.
2. Have your furnace check by a licensed technician to make sure it's running properly and there are no leaks in the ducts.
3. Re-caulk your windows and doors. This will help make your home easier to heat.
4. Keep your home at least 60 degrees when you're not home. This will prevent pipes from bursting.
5. Familiarize yourself with your outdoor water shut-off valve. Insulate any exposed pipes. That includes draining all water hoses.
6. Have your in-ground sprinkler system winterized as these pipes are not insulated. Any water remaining in these pipes could freeze and burst the pipes.
7. Remove gasoline and oil from lawnmowers, chainsaws, and weed eaters.
8. Have your fireplace check for debris and have it cleaned before you start using.
9. Driveways need to be sealed to prevent water from seeping in and then freezing and causing cracks.
10. Check and replace any worn weather stripping around all exterior doors.

Now it's time to enjoy some hot cocoa.

Closing Process for Buying a Home

Whether buying your first home or your tenth home, this should be a time of celebration. Many skilled professionals are working hard behind the scenes to make sure you receive clear title and the close goes smoothly. At the same time, you are busing packing, scheduling movers, changing your phone and utilities service so everything will be ready for the move.

It all starts with a contract that has been accepted by both the seller(s) and the buyer(s). The contract will be reviewed by the settlement agent. The earnest money will be deposited into an escrow account where it will remain until the time of close.

One of the first things that happen is the request for title work. This will disclose how many loans are on the property (1st mortgage, 2nd mortgage, home equity line). The agent will order payoff figures from each lender. Other reports can include, surveys, septic letter, termite letter and inspection report. If you are financing your home, your lender will require you to have a homeowner insurance policy which might include flood insurance if the home is in a flood zone.

Once the preliminary work is completed and all information on the contract, loan closing documents and title commitment has been compiled, the settlement agent is ready to prepare the HUD settlement statement. All costs must be shown in the HUD. A HUD is divided into two sides--the seller's side and the buyer's side. This includes closing costs and pre-paid costs. Pre-paid costs include earnest money, insurance, loan application fees, appraisal fees and property taxes.

Once everything is finalized, the settlement agent will schedule a time and place to close. Sometimes both sides will use the same settlement agent but more often each side will close with a different settlement agent and a currier will transport the legal documents between agents. At that time the seller will transfer ownership to the buyer.

Mini Makeover With Paint

Americans spent over $300 billion on home improvement in 2006 with about 19% of these projects were carried out by the homeowners themselves. While home improvement projects include cabinets, carpet, new hardware, light fixtures, cabinets, new doors, and molding, small changes can create a huge new look.

Paint ranks #1 as the favorite and least expensive tool interior designers use to change a room and create a new look. The cost of painting the average room is about $100. This includes paint, rollers, brushes, and other accessories.

The type of paint is important. The first thing to look for is durability. A flat paint is best to hide imperfections. Satin pants provide a quality finish and is easier to clean. Enamels are best for walls that need more cleanability and they can stand up to humid conditions.

When it comes to colors, keep it soft and low-key. Interior designers will say shades of white or neutral colors will create a clean, neat feel. These colors won't loose their appeal over time and it's easier to change and update furniture and accessories. That's not to say makeovers can't include trends like painting a darker color on a focal wall or below the chair rail to add emphasis.

Special note: If you are planning to sell your home, neutral colors appeal best to most buyers.