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K-25
Site Index
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The Alexander Inn (originally the Guest House)
Saving the Alexander Inn has been a top priority project of
the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association since the organization
formed in September of 1999. The property is privately owned, and to promote the
sale and reuse of the historic inn the ORHPA recently paid for an ad in the
magazine “Preservation” (JAN. ‘07), a publication of the National Trust for
Historic Preservation. It reads:
“Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Alexander Inn, built in 1943 to serve the top-secret
Manhattan Project (WWII). Known as the Guest House during the “secret city “
years, famous guests included Enrico Fermi, Robert Oppenheimer, Gen. Groves to
name a few. In the heart of historic district, listed on the National Register.
84 rooms, needs rehabilitation. Great opportunity in an attractive area, and
growing city. David Wilson, (865) 789-5988.”
Guest House/Alexander Inn in the spring a few years ago!
The Alexander Inn is the one property Oak Ridgers speak of most whenever the
topic of preserving a piece of our history comes up. Of most concern is that the
building is vacant and in a state of deterioration. The owner of the property
has no plans for making improvements and does not have it listed with a realtor.
ORHPA members of the Save the Alexander Committee periodically show the property
to interested persons, but to date the property is not close to a sale. To help
encourage a sale and rehabilitation of the property, the ORHPA collected the
$7,300 needed for a thorough Architect & Engineer Report. The bottom line of
that report is that the Alexander is still a good candidate for reuse and
rehabilitation. Copies of the report are made available to interested persons.
Some individuals have drafted a reuse (business) plan in hopes of rescuing the
property. One particular plan combines the concept of the historic inn with a
conference center, so that locals can enjoy the property as well as out of town
guests. The ORHPA is most interested in ensuring that proposed plans maintain
the historic integrity of the structure and grounds.
The ORHPA submitted an application to the Tennessee Preservation Trust
requesting that the Alexander Inn be added to the “Ten in Tennessee” list, those
historic properties in the state that are most endangered. The Alexander did
make the list, and awareness of the property has now been made with the National
Historic Trust.
Should you or someone you know want more information on the Alexander Inn
contact committee members Mick Wiest (865 483-1779), or Howard Harvey (865
483-7638).
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