The Eugenia Williams House sat vacant for decades and was left as a place of mystery to any of those who have driven by the property's high brick walls. Little was known about the one woman who lived in this mansion but the building she has left behind certainly is a piece of art. What happened to this woman that she left it behind? What will happen to the house now? And finally: what does the future hold for a place that seems lost and forgotten? We have all of the answers for you -- but first, let's look at the women who left it all behind.
Eugenia Williams was a woman who experienced a life of luxury, but you could easily say it was marked with more tragedy than fortune. Her father earned his wealth from the Coca-Cola factory within Knoxville and set his family up for success.
Unfortunately, sickness struck the family, claiming the life of his wife at a young age and two of his three children died before the age of 8. Eugenia went on to marry, but later had a quick divorce before America even entered WWII. When her father passed away, he left the house to her and but she had it razed and rebuilt by a well-known architect named John Franz Staub. She lived in the house alone and little was known about her life because she mostly kept to herself. Then in the '80s, Eugenia left the home vacant and spent her time living in the hospital with health problems until she passed away in 1998. The property was passed down to UT and aside from mowing the lawn, no one could quite figure out what to do with the property. Until it was sold to the Aslan Foundation and they have been working hard to restore this historic home.
Inside and throughout the home, you can see brilliant woodworking along the walls and beautiful flooring. An effort has gone forth to restore these pieces and assure that the home returns to its former glory.
The kitchen was state of the art for its time and luxurious in many ways.
The dishwasher for instance very well could have been the first dishwasher in Knoxville. The appliances and metal cabinet are all intact and the ice trays are even still in the freezer. Many of the pieces in the home are original and the Aslan Foundation is working to keep as much as possible.
Especially detailed places in the home including the chandeliers and the mirrors. There are even hidden places where the mirrors will fold out and light up in what looks to be a decorative frame.
The fireplace is brilliantly designed with little sculptures carved into it and work is being done to assure those pieces remain intact as well. The architecture is carefully being considered because it is seen as a work of art worth holding onto.
The landscaping is well underway and plans to build several walking paths making room for scenic trails along the Tennessee River and throughout the 24-acre property.
The project to restore the Eugenia Williams House is well underway and is expected to be finished by Spring 2025. The hope is to restore this property and allow it to be a place for the community. The house will be a place for tours, enjoyment, and small events, but you do not have to wait until it is all finished. The group behind the project has opened it up to allow tours of the restoration project each month so you can see the progress being made. For more information about the project, the history, or the tours please visit the Aslan Foundation Website.
While you are in Knoxville take a walk in the lovely UT Gardens, to see some beautiful flowers and take a couple of pictures.
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