Paris, Tenn.–The stabilization project at the historic Grove Tower in Paris is complete. The next step is a decision that needs to be made whether or not to go forward with permanent restoration of the building.
Renaissance Historic Exteriors started the temporary stabilization project the first full week of December and finished the work Monday, December 19. The scaffolding used in the project was removed Wednesday.
County Schools Maintenance Supervisor Jamie Kemp said, “The stabilization is compete. We did the final walk through Monday.” Final engineering approval is pending.
Kemp said, “It is MUCH better”, with the areas in the tower much more stable now.
Earlier this year, the Henry County Schools board of education unanimously approved the stabilization plan. The stabilization is intended to shore up structural issues in the building. The Romanesque, Classical Revival structure is on the National Register of Historic Places and originally was the home of Grove High School. Grove High closed in 1969 and was replaced with Henry County High School when schools in the county were consolidated.
The school district’s central office staff was ordered to vacate Grove Tower due to structural issues in April. The staff has been operating at the Henry County High School since then and Kemp continues to check on the building inside and out on a weekly basis, she said.
“This part is the project is stabilization and a decision still needs to be made of permanent restoration” of the Grove building, Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins said.
Photo: Workmen remove scaffolding from the building Wednesday. Photo by Shannon McFarlin.
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