KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A historic building in downtown Knoxville could be demolished after standing for more than 150 years.
An application to demolish the Masonic Temple at 505 Locust Street was filed with the city of Knoxville in June. The permit is still under review, with a city spokesperson saying it has not been approved or finalized. If the permit is granted, the tear-down could not happen before late September, with the spokesperson adding that a 60-day moratorium is in place because it is an older property.
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The building was designed by architect Joseph F. Baumann and began as the 1872 home of Charles McClung McGhee, one of Knoxville’s most influential civic leaders. He lived there until he died in 1907. Local nonprofit Knox Heritage said that the home welcomed many guests, including President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877. It was bought by the Masonic Fraternity Association in 1914. The group added a third story and large meeting spaces, with the building being dedicated in 1916.
“Although its exterior was dramatically altered, original features such as the bay window, stone entrance surround, staircase, and historic woodwork still reflect the mansion’s earlier history. Today, the Masonic Temple stands as a unique landmark that tells the story of both one of Knoxville’s most prominent families and the city’s long tradition of Freemasonry,” wrote Knox Heritage.
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The nonprofit added that they have reached out to the owners and hope they will reconsider demolition, or, if that is not possible, allow them to document the building so its history can be preserved…