Murfreesboro Post, November 6, 2007
ParkTrust Development, a local community developer since 1974, was recently honored with the 2007 Statewide Preservation Award given by the Tennessee Preservation Trust. ParkTrust received the award for its preservation of the Marymont House located on Rucker Lane in Murfreesboro.
‘Marymont’ located on Rucker Lane, c1976.
The Tennessee Preservation Trust (TPT) is a statewide non-profit historic preservation education and advocacy organization. The organization helps monitor and promote preservation-friendly legislation at the local, state, and federal levels, and assists citizens across the state with advocacy issues pertaining to specific historic sites – as well as historic and zoning issues.
ParkTrust president, Ken Green, received the honor at the Tennessee Statewide Preservation Annual Conference held in Franklin.
“We are thrilled to receive this honor,” said Green.
“ParkTrust has worked closely with preservation groups, such as the Tennessee Preservation Trust and the Heritage Foundation in Franklin. As a community developer, we feel we are in a unique position to help save historic homes. The Marymont House is a wonderful piece of Murfreesboro history, and we are delighted that it will be the centerpiece of a beautiful new community named in its honor, Marymont Springs.”
‘Marymont’ courtesy of Bob Parks Real Estate
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Marymont House has been an icon on Murfreesboro’s Rucker Lane since the mid 1800s, when tradition says the workers laid down their tools to fight for the Confederacy. Built by Hiram Jenkins, Jr. on 640 acres of land the mansion was built over approximately 7 years from 1861 to 1868. Marymont was constructed of handmade brick fired in a kiln located on the property.
According to local history, only three or four Greek Revival homes were built in Rutherford County during the 19th Century. Of those, only the Marymont House remains. The load-bearing masonry structure showcases the millwork of renowned Maury County carpenter Nathan Vaught. Vaught’s original fireplace mantles have been preserved inside the house.
In 2005, ParkTrust chairman, Bob Parks, and business partner Mel Adams acquired the land and historic home. After careful renovation and preservation, the Marymont House will open in early May as the sales and information center for the Marymont Springs community.
“We want visitors to Marymont Springs to experience the beauty of this piece of land and the grandeur of the mansion,” said Parks. “We have preserved as much as possible in the renovation process including the original hardwood floors, windows, interior doors, and fireplace mantles.”
Marymont Springs will have approximately 1,000 homes upon completion. Planned for the community is a $4-million amenity center that will include 16+ acres of lakes, a clubhouse, multi-use swimming pool, and fishing dock. A town center with office and retail space is planned in future phases. The first phase will include individual lot sales and home sales. Home prices for Marymont Springs are expected to be in approximately the $300,000 to $1-million+ range.
For more information on Marymont Springs visit www.marymontsprings.com or call the sales and information center at (615) 890-0902.