Uniquely situated in a place where campus and the Fort Wood Historic District overlap, the Patten House entered UTC history in 1948, when it was bequeathed to the University through the estate of its owner, Zeboim “Bome” Charles Patten.
Shortly thereafter, the Music and Art departments were the first University occupants to utilize—and marvel at—the spacious interior of Patten’s former residence, known for many years as “Z. C. Patten Hall.”
A student of the time wrote that the building “leaves a lasting impression because of its large-scale splendor and the perfection of its smallest detail.”
Patten House’s stately Italianate design is a testament to the architect, Samuel Patton (1857-1897), as well as the tastes of the original owners, prominent Chattanooga financier Charles A. Lyerly (1847-1925) and his spouse Virginia “Jennie” Drane Lyerly (1856-1921), who lived there upon its completion in 1893 until Charles’ death in 1925…