Gaylord Entertainment Group Nashville, Tennessee Square Footage: 82,000 sq. ft. Budget: $8.5 Million Completed: 1994 Karen Pace Easter, IIDA Project Designer Pictured top to bottom: The Ryman, Inside Hallway, Refreshment Area	The Preservation of Historic Integrity — With Contemporary Amenities One of Nashville's first buildings to be listed in the National register of Historic Places (1971), the Ryman Auditorium was home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1973. Gaylord Entertainment Corporation restored the structure between 1988 and 1994, with the objective of preserving its historic integrity while expanding its capacity to be a contemporary entertainment showcase. Most of the restoration occurred between November 1993 and June 1994. Materials for site work were chosen with sensitivity to the original design. Curved oak pews were repaired, refinished, and reinstalled on the original tongue and groove pine floor. Cast iron stairs, handrails, balusters, ornamental columns, and light fixtures were refurbished and retained, preserving the integrity of the interior. Air conditioning was added for the first time, and the power, lighting, sound and plumbing systems were upgraded. Simultaneously, a new addition to the Ryman was constructed. Contemporary in design, the addition complements the architectural style of the Gothic Revival auditorium in size, color, and texture. The addition houses offices for the Ryman's management staff, elevators, a retail area, a conference room, public restrooms, and a snack bar. Adjacent property purchases provided additional parking, a landscaped plaza entrance, and television production van accommodation. Interior Design.
Interior Design Resources • 512 Old Hickory Boulevard #1005 • Nashville, Tennessee 37209 office 615.352.7505 • fax 615.352.7559 • email: kareneaster@id-resources.com