Breathing New Life into Tusculum’s Tredway Hall

Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the nation’s oldest institutions for higher education. Established in 1794, Tusculum College, now known as Tusculum University, is both the oldest college in Tennessee’s history and the twenty-eighth oldest in the United States. This not-for-profit university, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, offers degree programs in the Arts, Healthcare, and Business. As the university continues to grow, the needs of the students have changed. In order to better serve and meet the needs of their students, Tusculum University has proposed a complete renovation and repurposing of Tredway Hall.

Fahe’s Community Lending Service (CLS) is excited to partner with Tusculum University on the renovation of Tredway Hall. Fahe is committed to providing $9 Million in financing to the renovation project, of which $4.5 Million is tapping the USDA Community Facility Relending Program. These loans will allow for the interior of this four story, 19,000 square-foot building to be restored back to its original architectural style while incorporating new programmatic elements. The upgrades made to Tredway Hall during the renovation will be used to support the activities of both the College of Business and College of Education.

Once the renovations are completed, Tredway Hall will be equipped with a series of new classrooms, faculty offices, a common area for students, and a computer lab. Along with the updates, the renovation will add a handicap accessible entrance, handicap accessible restrooms on every floor, and an elevator. In order to preserve the existing architectural character, new windows and doors will be added with great consideration, while providing energy efficiencies.  This historic building will also receive plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems replacements or upgrades.

Overall, the renovation and repurposing of Tredway Hall will provide a quality environment for higher education and learning. Not only will it aid the current faculty and staff of the university, but it will also become a space that inspires the next generation of professionals in Appalachia for years to come.  We are excited to be part of the investment in Appalachia through education, an investment which will pay off large dividends through the students who attend Tusculum University.

If you would like to learn more about Community Lending Services, or to stay up to date with their latest projects, follow the link below:
https://fahe.org/community-lending/