A case study for preservation : adaptive reuse of the pickle mansion, Knoxville, Tennessee

The purposes of this study were to examine data gathering methods to obtain the necessary information for a preservation project; the options available in the preservation movement for restoration of a structure; and to provide individuals not affiliated with a nonprofit organization, with information in regard to the benefits of using the present Tax Act for preserving a historic structure. In order to accomplish these goals, the Pickle Mansion, located in the Fort Sanders Historic District, Knoxville, Tennessee, was used as a case study. The research methods that applied to this case study were:

- documentary evidence—which involved research of the history of the neighborhood, the chronological life of the Pickle Mansion, its occupants and the surrounding area from valid sources.

- physical evidence—which involved the documentation of the condition and look of the Pickle Mansion today and the observation and record of the historic character of the building, identificaiton of alterations and/or additions, missing design features, and gross problems.

- comparative building analysis research—which involved drawing parallels bewteen buildings of similar nature and time for typical historic features and qualities.

Through this case study and research methods it was established that substantive tax incentives were necessary in order to attract investors to the rehabilitation of a historic structure.