Historic Renovation of Nashville’s War Memorial Building Modernized for Accessibility, Functionality

The comprehensive renovation of Nashville Tennessee’s War Memorial Building is complete. Construction began in February 2024 on the 145,000-square-foot landmark, delivering significant accessibility upgrades, modernized building systems and reimagined office and public spaces while preserving its historic character. Skanska served as the general contractor on the project.

Originally constructed in 1925, the War Memorial Building was built to honor Tennessee soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and later served as the first home of the Tennessee State Museum. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains one of the city’s most recognizable civic landmarks.

The project included extensive interior and exterior renovations designed to maintain the building’s historic character while significantly improving functionality and accessibility. Major enhancements included:

• Reconstruction and structural upgrades to the building’s north side, improving accessibility and circulation
• Restoration of the historic auditorium, including upgraded seating, finishes and performance capabilities
• Modernization of core building systems, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure
• Reconfigured office space for the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, improving functionality and efficiency
• Accessibility improvements throughout the facility, to comply with current standards while complementing the historic design.

Technology played a key role throughout planning and construction, particularly in addressing the complexities of historic preservation. One example was laser cleaning, a precise, non-invasive technique that uses concentrated light to remove contaminants without damaging delicate materials. The approach was used to restore terra cotta, bronze and granite elements throughout the building, providing a safer and more controlled alternative to traditional methods such as sandblasting.