Historic Tennessee Theatre

I am currently taking a course in Historic Preservation. We are studying the origins of people protecting culturally significant building or restoring them to their original condition. Recently, we took a tour of the Historic Tennessee Theatre in downtown Knoxville. 

Originally a movie palace, the elaborate theatre is designed in Spanish-Moorish style with French influence. Art Deco was popular in the 20s and it is apparent in the lighting and interior decoration of the theatre. It was, at one point, the tallest building in Knoxville. Before the theatre, the lot contained a wooden log structure owned by Blount College, which later became the University of Tennessee. One major feature was the elegantly beautiful pipe organ by Wurlitzer. With only a signal screen, the capabilities of the theatre were limited. Simple vaudeville and organ shows were common. Due to the rising trend of multiple screens for multiple movies, the theatre suffered a depression. As the years went by, the condition slowly dropped until it finally closed in 1977. A local radio company called Dick Broadcasting purchased the theatre in 1981 which saved it from being demolished. Dick started renovations in order to open in time for the World's Fair in 1982. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Upon entering the lobby, Spanish-Moorish arches line the two side walls. There is a slight incline upward with a line of French chandeliers running along the middle of the ceiling. The grand stair extends against the two walls and meet to create a mezzanine level. Italian terrazzo floors extend throughout the lobby. The carpet, draperies, and fabrics are of Oriental design.

Restrooms are located in the lounge, one floor below the main entrances to the theatre. The signs are in the original style. 

The stage underwent a huge extension, closing for renovation in 2003. Before the renovation, it would have been impossible for a Broadway show, symphony, or opera to take place on the small stage. The renovation would extend, cantilevering over the vehicular street that the city would not allow to be closed. The original theatre cost 1 million dollars to construct in 1928. With the help of private donations and city funds, the 29 million dollar renovation took two years. In 2005, the theatre opened back up and remains a Knoxville treasure. 

The stage addition added a custom orchestra shell to house the pipe organ and increase the acoustics for the larger stage. The front part of the stage lowers and raises back to the original position. Renew facilities also included an upgraded dressing quarter, new marquee, and the installation of elevators. 

Astounding views await the patrons of the theater upon entering the main auditorium. Ornate light fixtures line the Spanish-Moorish walls. A recessed egg shape peaks the center of the space with fenced spires around the lip. When you see a show at the Historic Tennessee theatre, the performance is not the only spectacle. 

Upon exiting the theatre from the balcony, the circulation path leads you to the grand stair balcony. A view of the entrance lobby extends in front. 

Ornate features line the hallways and walls of the theatre. Every detail is reminiscent of the original condition of the movie palace, from the water fountains to the statues, and even the endplates of each row of seating. 

I have loved this theater ever since I moved to Knoxville and never knew it had so much rich history and culture. It has really opened my eyes to the restoration of historic buildings and piqued my interest in the lengths taken to bring back spaces. 

Read more about the theatre here. 

Happy Holidays/World AIDS Day

December has already arrived; welcome to cold weather, snow, gaudy decorations, flashing lights, and hot chocolates (with soy, obvi). December marks the last month of the year, Christmas, gift giving, carol singing, and also AIDS. Wait, what? Most people do not associate the same month that Christmas occurs in with a fatal pandemic. December 1st has been World AIDS Day since 1988. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007. Every single day, 700 babies are born with HIV. As of 2010, the world has 34 million people living with HIV. James W. Bunn and Thomas Nettler proposed the idea of having an awareness day to the United Nations board in 1987. With enough push, a day of global recognition was created and awareness has spread; the UNAIDS, or Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, has a year-round campaign for prevention and education. Each year, a theme or slogan is attached. From "One World. One Hope.", to "AIDS: Men Make a Difference", the goal is the same with different focuses. Since 2011, the theme has been "Getting to Zero". Every day, we stride a little closer to curing this malicious infection. 

A symbol of solidarity for AIDS victims and survivors

On December 1st, government and health officials will make speeches and announcements to raise awareness of this growing threat. Popes have announced support; the White House erects a 28-foot red ribbon to show support. Major companies will "celebrate" in different ways; Apple stores across the country will turn their logos [RED] to show support for the cause. They have a few products that raise a great deal of money for the Global Fund. Set up to attempt to cure AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, the Global Fund has generated over $150 million to the search for the cure. Starbucks has always been a huge supporter of Product [RED], which is a global campaign to raise money for the Global Fund. For each handcrafted beverage sold today, Starbucks will donate 10¢ to this extraordinary cause. (Go buy a freaking latte or at least a hot chocolate! NOW!) Giorgio Armani, Converse, and Nike also have products that, when purchased, send money straight to the Global Fund. With all of this funding and research, the world is one step closer to fighting this vile and ruthless virus. As times of joy and celebration roll in, just remember to take a look at the bigger picture. 

Did you know?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome has plagued the world since the early 20th century. It has been said it originated with non-human primates in West-central Africa with SIV, or simian immunodeficiency virus. Initially, flu-like symptoms may appear, followed by a prolonged period without symptoms. This is where the problem lies. It is very hard to catch it before it takes a complete hold on the body. As soon as the infection sets in, the immune system is shot and the body is exceedingly prone to other infections, diseases, and even tumors. The immune system needs T cells to fight agains diseases and infections. HIV starts breaking down these necessary cells so the body is defenseless and starts attacking itself. The progression from HIV to AIDS is surprisingly steep. At each stage, the depletion of the T cells in the immune system decreases. Primary HIV is asymptomatic. Stage 1 HIV is asymptomatic as well, with occasional lymph node enlargement. Stage 2 HIV brings mucus membranes on the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, and other orifices. Recurring upper respiratory infections also show up. Stage 3 HIV consists of chronic diarrhea, severe bacterial infections, and tuberculosis. Stage 4 HIV is considered AIDS. The brain starts to become inflamed and toxoplasmosis occurs. Brain cells are lost and schizophrenia may occur. The infection is more likely to spread to the heart, liver, or other organs. Fungal infections break out on the tongue, esophagus, trachea, lungs, and heart. All organs start to break down and attack each other. 

Diagram of the structure of HIV

As of 2012, there is no vaccine for AIDS. Antiviral therapy does exist and has been shown to slow down progression and help strengthen the immune system. Progress is happening. We can win this battle. We can overcome and overpower HIV/AIDS. Getting to zero starts with awareness and education. 

Helplines:

CDC Against AIDS

AIDS Foundation

Find a HIV/STD testing location

CDC Testing 

Closets are for clothes, not people

Today is the 25th National Coming Out Day! In 1988, Robert Eichberg founded the day to celebrate openness about sexuality, raise awareness for the LGBT community, and push for civil rights. The date of October 11th was chosen because the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights occurred the previous year on that date. 

You may know that I just recently "came out". Well, I had been out to my friends and coworkers for years but I had never actually let it come out to my family; the reason being my parents are firm believers in the Bible, its teachings, and the fact that homosexuality is a sin. They started their own church in their living room if that gives you any idea of the type of people they are. I thought it best to not rock the boat and just leave the issue unsaid. I was seriously considering leading a homosexual lifestyle with my parents unaware and under the "impression" that I was heterosexual. You may also know that it was not strictly necessary for me to come out, as it is fairly obvious from 5 minutes around me. Nonetheless, I felt like I had to have the talk and get it out in the open. 

My boyfriend and I planned and prepared a nice, vegan dinner for my parents. We sat, ate, talked, and even played some card games; it was a pleasant social gathering. I was extremely nervous the whole time. How would they react? I already lived on my own, but would they still try to "kick me out" or "pray for a cure"? After much deliberation and hesitation, I finally drew up the nerve and asked them to listen for a minute. 

As I grabbed my boyfriends hand, I explained that I was in love with a guy, Jonathan, and that I intended to spend the rest of my life with him. Silence. 

My mother asked me to say it all again; the sweat built up again as I repeated that I was going to spend the rest of my life with Jonathan and that he is now a part of the Iden family.  This next part is still a little hazy because it was so shocking. They said they were proud of me, they loved me, and they would love to get to know Jonathan better; we all stood up and hugged. I could not have even dreamed a better reaction! I realized that I should have never been nervous because I knew they loved me. I knew they supported me. I knew they would always love and support my decisions and future. 

We made a coming out dinner and a week later,
my parents made a "nice to meet you Jonathan" dinner

This is my coming out story. I am exceedingly lucky to have a situation where it was easy and joyful to be a homosexual because I know this is not always the case. My boyfriend had a very abrupt, forced outing that was very unplanned. Many people go through life completely closeted; many have horrifying war stories of tears and shouting. I just want to give hope to everyone out there that the LGBT community is very supportive. Hope is out there, even at the bleakest of times. If you are having any trouble, reach out to someone, anyone, and a helping hand will come. I would love to talk, chat, and listen to any problems. There are also numerous resources online available.

The Trevor Project is a 24-hour support that is available to talk about any issues. Click me!

My Life

I am Matt Iden. I am a coffee enthusiast and papercrafter. I am a designer; I architect stuff. I tweet, tumbl, blog, wordpress, google, etc. Here, my internet life is extracted into one social media outlet. In one window, see how my trifles and stumbles take form and appear electronically.