7 Abandoned Buildings That Were Transformed into Something Beautiful

When the Tennessee Theatre first opened in 1928, critics hailed it as “the South’s most beautiful theater.” At the time, the theater (which was designed Chicago-based architects Graven & Mayger) featured a charming, worldly interior. For example, there were French-style chandeliers, Italian terrazzo flooring in the main lobby, and Asian influences in the carpet and drapery patterns. Later in the 20th century, the building fell on hard times. That was until 2005 when a $25.5 million renovation and restoration project transformed it into a world-class performing arts center. Funded through public and private donations, the project was led by the Knoxville-based firm McCarty Holsaple Architects.