Tennessee Theatre
Designed by the prominent architecture firm Graven and Mayger in 1928, the Tennessee Theatre stands as a masterpiece of atmospheric cinema architecture. The theatre’s ornate interior—featuring its iconic blue dome, intricate plasterwork, and elaborate decorative painting—represents the golden age of movie palace design. The theater was placed in the National Register of Historic Places and declared the Official State Theatre of Tennessee in 1982.
As part of a comprehensive renovation in 2003–2005, the theatre transitioned from a classic movie palace into a modern performing arts center. The stage was expanded, a state-of-the-art sound system was installed, and modern acoustics and technology were seamlessly integrated into the 1920s interior.
EverGreene began with a comprehensive condition assessment followed by additional investigation, testing and analysis to develop a historically accurate color palette. In addition, EverGreene’s design studio created detailed renderings to guide decision-making on the theatre’s soft goods and finishes—including carpeting, seat colors, and other interior design elements.
Our craftsmen then executed the full scope of decorative restoration work: paint analysis, plasterwork restoration, decorative finishes, including stenciling, scagliola, glazing, gilding and the revival of the historic painted stage and corridor draperies.
In 2019, the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation acquired the neighboring 612 Building, located at 612 South Gay Street, previously known as the Mechanics’ Bank and Trust Building. Construction to link the two buildings, providing access to an additional 16,000 square feet of space began in 2024.
EverGreene’s scope included the conservation and restoration of historic plaster surfaces, including stabilization and repair of damaged wall and ceiling plaster, and conservation of ornamental plaster elements to return them to a sound condition.
The project also includes the removal of failing and excessive paint layers from plaster surfaces to restore decorative detail and provide stable substrates for new finishes. EverGreene implemented a new decorative paint scheme along with transparent glaze finishes to highlight and accentuate the ornamental plasterwork.
A multimillion-dollar renovation project at the Tennessee Theatre is now complete, expanding the storied venue into the adjacent building and adding multiple new bars, private lounges, and a dedicated education/outreach floor.
