As an architect, HK Principal Clif McCormick dedicates a lot of his time to historic preservation architecture, bringing his passion and expertise to projects that celebrate and protect our architectural heritage. As a member of the historic zoning commission in Chattanooga and a Tennessee State Historic Architectural Consultant, Clif plays a vital role in ensuring that the stories etched into our built environment are preserved for the future.

What initially sparked your interest in historic preservation?

When I was in college, I lived in an old Victorian house owned by an interior designer, Happy Baker who did a lot of interior design in Victorian homes in Atlanta. I ended up going to work for her later, working on projects like the interior of the Flying Biscuit and a couple old houses in the Atlanta area.

Then later when I moved to San Francisco to work, I lived in a really old apartment and had to work to make the doors swing and kitchen cabinets stay shut myself. I learned that working on historic homes takes more than just technical skills; it takes special treatment and thoughtful work.

Please share about the role you have that integrates your passion for historic preservation on the historic zoning commission?  

Each of the four historic districts in Chattanooga falls under the purview of the historic building and zoning commission. There are things you can and cannot do in historic districts related to the exterior of your house. There is always something that somebody wants to do to their house that is unclear if it meets the historic zoning rules or not. We hear cases every month in which someone has a change to the house that is visible to the street. The question is – "does this meet historic regulations?" As a commission we listen and approve, deny, or defer. It includes everything on the exterior house – from windows and siding to the placement of parking spaces.

If the house is around 100 years old or older, the rules are more strict. For instance, if a window is 100 years old and in bad repair, the homeowner must prove that the window is beyond repair before they can just get a new one. So people always ask things they can and can’t do. You can't put modern porch columns on a historic house, skylights on the visible side of the house, vinyl siding on a historic house. We also look at new house designs in the historic districts. It has to be no more than so much bigger or smaller than adjacent houses, the setback needs to be consistent with the historic houses around it, the porch has to be a certain depth or maybe the house has to be setback a certain distance from the street.

Tell me about your role as the State Historic Architectural Consultant.

What it really is an arm of the State's Historical Commission. Sometimes the state wants to do things with these buildings, but before they can do a project, they have to get a budget. So they have to hire someone, usually me, to go out to the site, look at the building with their office, figure out what they want, and write up a program. The program will outline necessary work like roof restoration, installing sprinklers, restoring windows and doors to their original condition. I'll also include pricing for things like adding HVAC if the proposed new use requires it. They then take the package and go through the budget approval process at the state level.

Clif exploring the historic site surrounding the historic York Bible School.

What type of historical structures do you enjoy working on the most?

I really like schools and similar public buildings because of scale. With bigger scale, there is so much more you can do. There have been some historic examples that have beautiful things that are more than you could ever expect at a historic residence. People did smart things a long time ago, but building codes and cost prevent using a lot of those principles now. Everything seemed more intuitive - for example, all the corridors stack. All the windows stack. It is just more intuitive than a lot of buildings now. I try to keep those things in mind when I design now.

What is your favorite historic property you have worked on?

That's a tough one. There's a lot that I like. One of my favorite projects ever was the Sherwood Inn in New York state. It is an 1800s inn at the tip of the Skaneateles Lake. It has been continuously an inn since around 1820. It's not a small inn - it's big, rambling. It has a lot of types of places to stay. We worked on the entry and the tavern. When you go into the tavern, it is dark with low light, heavy beams in the ceiling. Tons and tons of wood paneling with a big stone fireplace adorned by a painting of huntsmen on horseback. We spent a lot of time thinking about each door, each piece of molding, each piece of paneling on the wall. Every brick in the fireplace was painstakingly chosen to match the historic look of the inn.

How do you decide what parts of a building should be preserved versus updated or changed?

It depends on what the end use of the building is going to be. I don't want to change things unless there's a reason to do so. Sometimes with historic preservation architecture, you have to change things because of codes. For example, at Swann Tobacco, the windows had to be made operable. The fire marshal wanted windows that you could rescue someone out of. That was strictly a code reason. People want beautiful old floors, but they are very bad for noise. At Signal Mill, the acoustics of beautiful old floors didn't matter when it was a factory, but when offices and apartments went in, it was endlessly loud and there was no soundproofing. To remedy the noise on the first floor, we ended up hanging acoustic clouds down to dampen sound.

The exposed floorboards from above serve as a ceiling at Signal Mill.

Have you ever discovered or uncovered a hidden gem during one of your historic preservation architecture projects?

A long time ago, we were working on an old home that had been the home of a surgeon long before. The surgeon had his practice in his basement, and we discovered that he actually had kept a lot of the limbs that he had amputated. The police had to come and verify that they were all very, very old bones. The project was paused for over a month. We couldn't just throw the bones in the dumpster! I'm not sure what ended up happening to the bones, but eventually they were taken off site and the project progressed.

Through his work, Clif exemplifies the importance of historic preservation architecture in maintaining our cultural heritage. By carefully restoring and adaptively reusing historic buildings, we not only honor the craftsmanship and stories of the past but also ensure that these architectural gems remain vibrant pieces of our communities. Clif's insights remind us to appreciate the rich tapestry woven into our built environment and to support efforts that protect these irreplaceable buildings.

HK Architects is proud to announce its continued sponsorship of River City Company's popular Rock the Riverfront event for 2024. HK Architects recognizes the importance of supporting community events that bring people together and celebrate the beauty of our city.

The kick off to a month full of fun and entertainment with the 3^rd annual Rock the Riverfront begins on March 14^th and HK is sponsoring the Saturday, March 23^rd  event. Enjoy music from the main stage and oversized games as well with 12 different animations and musical experiences to enjoy. The temporary installation is called Loop, and is a fun, interactive sculpture where all ages can grab a seat and let the world twirl around you!

"We are thrilled to once again partner with River City Company for Rock the Riverfront," said Heidi Hefferlin Principal Architect at HK Architects. "This event perfectly aligns with our firm's values of promoting vibrant public spaces and fostering a strong sense of community. It's a great opportunity for people to come together, enjoy live music, and experience the stunning riverfront that our city has to offer."

HK Architects invites you to bring your friends and family out to enjoy Rock the Riverfront on Saturday, March 23^rd. Here’s the lineup for the event: https://www.rivercitycompany.com/rock-events/friday-fun-2-2957p-wc2a5. The programming for HK's sponsored Saturday event begins at 2pm with a Learn to Dance event and then dance performances from 5:30-7:30 followed by the MOST fun LIGHT UP CHATT PARADE from 6:00pm-7:30pm with a parade of light up lanterns and all the fun stuff.

There will be food trucks and artist vendors down there from 10a-8p and the bar is open from 12p-8p. Food Vendors (subject to change): Chatter Box | Chef Chasty | Go Gyro Go | Kona Ice | Lollibubbles Cotton Candy | Kombucha | Mo Lemonade | Nonni’s Empanadas | Penny Lemonade | Spill the Beans | Street Quesadilla | Sugar Spice & Everything Nice | Taco Boss | Robert Emery Chocolates

We hope to see you there!

EMJ Returns to Their Original Headquarters

EMJ Corporation is a prominent construction firm based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Originally founded in 1968, EMJ has completed over $10 billion in projects across the country. They are known for their hands-on approach and appreciation of authentic materials.

In 1984, EMJ constructed One Park Place to serve as their corporate headquarters. They occupied the building for over a decade before relocating their offices to the CBL Building. The property was then leased out to other tenants. After 30 years, EMJ reacquired their former headquarters with the intention to move back in after a complete renovation.

Transforming an Outdated Building Through Adaptive Reuse

HK Architects was brought on board to lead the adaptive reuse and redesign of One Park Place to create a new headquarters for EMJ and real estate investment firm Equitas Management Group.

The project involved gutting and transforming the interiors, while replacing exterior cladding and repaving the parking lot. We focused on bringing in natural light, creating collaborative spaces, and reflecting the company's construction roots through an industrial aesthetic, creative wayfinding, and storytelling signage.

The most impactful sustainability move was adaptively reusing the existing structural framework while renovating the rest. Adaptive reuse gives old buildings new life in an eco-friendly way. Preserving the embodied energy already invested into construction prevents materials from ending up in landfills.

A Revitalized Modern Industrial Headquarters

The finished headquarters stands out with exposed ceilings, polished concrete floors, and durable construction materials. The open plan layout includes a spacious training room for all-company meetings, a central breakroom hub to connect employees, and amenities to attract premium office tenants. The employee oriented amenities in the EMJ office span from multiple flexible work spaces to a beer tap for 5 o'clock celebrations.

Moving forward, EMJ's renewed commitment and investment in their newly renovated headquarters also promises a sustainable future. The building will serve their workspace needs for decades to come.

Read more about the One Park Place project here or here.

Every January, Architectural Digest highlights 100 of the nation's top designers and design firms. In this year's AD100 issue, HK Architects was honored to be highlighted as a regionally featured firm, highlighting HK founder and managing partner, Heidi Hefferlin's design inspiration for residences: nature. 

The main feature of the article, Ravens Crest house in rural Dunlap, TN, is a house designed to act as a lens that focuses on the view of the valley below and the rock formations along the brow. It is a simple dog trot plan. The separation of the garage and house frame the first view of the valley below when you approach the house. The home puts the living space on the brow and the bedrooms to the east and the front of the house. The entry is and intimate scale which then opens up to the view beyond and the large living dining and kitchen space. The living space focuses on the view with a glass wall that opens up to merge indoor and outdoor living.  The construction is a steel frame with metal stud in-fill walls. One of the most interesting things about the construction of this house is that the stone that clads both the interior and exterior walls was sourced directly from the land. The HK design team and construction team walked through the site, sourcing stones directly from the large multi-acre plot. The palette is simple and selected to create a connection to the place. The process of the construction was collaborative with the craftsman from the selection of the stones on the side of the mountain to the handmade furnishings and details such as the variations of the mahogany in the entry portal. From the living space the valley below along with the rocks of the bluff and the sacred Cherokee rock portal are constantly changing and always interesting. The view is the star of this house.

Kept low to merge with the horizon line the house provides a hint of the view when you arrive. The materials of the house are durable and low maintenance so time can be spent enjoying nature.

Another project selected by the editors at Architectural Digest is our more recent Barhaus, situated along the brow of Elder Mountain, Tennessee. Again, this house was designed with the view and the simple fact of a cliffside in mind. The design aimed to integrate the home’s design into a challenging compact cliff edge site allowing the view to guide the entire concept with materials consisting of shou sugi ban, steel, pine, glass, and concrete. The result consists of two bars paralleling the bluff while maximizing the limited lateral spread of the lot. The bars are separated into private and public spaces with a connected outdoor living area. The private bar consists of the master suite and an open concept living space featuring a double-faced fireplace dividing the kitchen, dining room, a formal living room, and a tv room. The public bar includes two guest suites adjacent to the outdoor common spaces. This bar is set further out above the cliff, with a cantilevered walkway and unobstructed views.

The view in the hallway connecting the outdoor living spaces to the two mirrored guest suites.

The final project featured in the January 2024 issue of Architectural Digest was a rural fishing cabin sitting along the riverbend in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Built with the intention to connect the inhabitants to the river and its grassy bank, the rural house features ample outdoor living space, both enclosed and open air. The structure is dark stained cedar with metal roofing and mountain stonework throughout.  The design focused on a harmony between the structure and its surroundings, with the resulting design pushing respectfully toward the riverbank.

At HK Architects, we specialize in civic space design that brings communities together. From small neighborhood parks to large conference centers, the public spaces we design aim to facilitate community, connection, and a sense of belonging.

A digital rendering of the East Ridge community space.

East Ridge Town Center

Our latest project in East Ridge, Tennessee will transform a lot adjacent to the East Ridge Community Center, City Hall, and local library into a vibrant event and community space. The new enclosed pavilion space is close to the new splash pad, playground, and dog park and  will be the perfect public space to bring residents together for farmers markets, private and public events, conferences, and gatherings.  

Preliminary sketch of the East Ridge community space by Heidi Hefferlin.

Civic Space Design

Other civic space designs have created hubs for culture, entertainment and leisure. The Greenway Farms Conference Center in Hixson integrated landscaped grounds and connection to the trails with views of the North Chickamauga Creek to complement its meeting facilities. Downtown Chattanooga’s Miller Park Pavilion offers a modern, glass multi-purpose space which is an idyllic spot for festivals and markets. The Avondale Youth and Family Development Center in East Chattanooga is another example of HK's thoughtful community oriented civic space design. With a branch of the Chattanooga Public Library, a large multipurpose room, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, lounges for youth, and classrooms, the Avondale YFD Center provides a space for community building and personal growth in an often neglected corner of the city. 

Aerial view of the Greenway Farms Conference Center and its relationship with the existing walking trail.

Arguably our most ambitious community project is The Commons in Collegedale, Tennessee. This expansive town square environment includes the Founder’s Hall, the Chestnut Hall event center, a playground, and plenty of green space for public gatherings. From concerts to holiday celebrations, The Commons has become a beloved fixture for connecting residents.

Collegedale Common's Chestnut Hall event center (left) and Founder's Hall (right).

At HK Architects we feel civic spaces carry immense power to strengthen communities when thoughtfully designed. We pride ourselves on creating public environments that uplift identities, spur connections, and give people joyful spaces to simply be together. The projects noted here reflect only a sample of those efforts, but nevertheless showcase our mission to build not just buildings but also communal bonds through architecture.

The first Saturday of December is like a holiday around here. We celebrate MAINx24 rain or shine and 2023 provided loads of rain for all of the debauchery.

It was fun to see so many Chattanoogans gathered together, undeterred by the weather, for the area's signature annual event: MainX24. What started years ago as a street festival spearheaded by local nonprofit CreateHere has evolved into a full-on community celebration, drawing crowds from across the city to revel in art, music, food and more along the Southside's funky main artery on Main Street.

This year, HK Architects was both participant and sponsor for MainX24. Our team eagerly took part creating our float for the ever-popular parade, which kicks off a day filled with joyful chaos up and down the thoroughfare. Dripping rain ponchos aside, it was heartwarming to see Chattanoogans of all ages converge to cheer on the floats and embrace the togetherness this event cultivates.

As fans of Chattanooga's vibrant Southside neighborhood, we at HK Architects are proud to support MainX24. The festival represents the artsy yet unpretentious spirit of the community. Over the past decade, we've designed multiple prominent developments to enhance the area and continued to use Main Street as our headquarters dating back to 1999. We’ve believed in Main Street from the very beginning and look forward to many more MAINx24’s ahead.  

After over 10 years of collaborative renovation planning between HK Architects, the City of Chattanooga, TN developers, and community partners, the historic Chattanooga Bank and Trust Building has finally been unveiled as a 148 room Tapestry Hilton hotel, named The Waymark, right in the heart of downtown Chattanooga.

Originally constructed in 1927 as the Chattanooga Savings Bank designed by famous local architect R.H. Hunt, this adaptive reuse project preserves mid-century architecture while activating a prominent vacant building in downtown. The 10-story structure will feature lush, modern hotel rooms, over 2,000 square feet of meeting and event space, various dining options, and a speakeasy incorporating the original bank vault.

Original vault door which will be the entrance to the speakeasy.

"Beyond protecting and restoring the structure's original 1920s architectural details, this ambitious $59 million historic preservation effort sparks new energy along the downtown streetscape by redeveloping a signature Chattanooga tower into a community gathering space," said Alex Reyland, Partner of HK Architects.

HK Architects led the adaptive reuse and renovation architecture and design for over a decade alongside developer HKS Holdings who understood the unique opportunity to bring this long-vacant building back to life with a new hospitality purpose.

Original Chattanooga Bank Building drawings by R.H. Hunt.

"After 12 years collaborating towards the historic revitalization of this downtown icon, our team is thrilled to finalize such a meaningful architectural transformation project focused on enhancing the community," explained Heidi Hefferlin, Managing Partner.

The renovation of the iconic Chattanooga Bank and Trust reintroduces not just preserved architectural legacy, but also strengthened downtown vibrancy through modern mixed-use space. By converting the vacant tower into a 148 room hotel and event venue, this historic preservation project breaths fresh new life into Chattanooga's urban core.

The Chattanooga Bank Building in 1927.

Montague Park, located in Chattanooga, was originally a sunken, swampy area considered unusable. Due to the costly process of raising 45+ acres of land, it was used as a landfill with the intent of raising the land. It was later capped and became a public sports and recreation center but was closed in 2003 due to environmental concerns, eventually being designated a brownfield. Since Montague Park was revitalized by the late late sculptor John Henry, HK Architects has  been heavily involved with the design of the park. Craig Kronenberg, HK’s Partner Emeritus, is a founding board member at the Sculpture Fields and worked with John Henry to develop the original master plan that we know as the park today.

The Past

Without John Henry’s vision, we would not have the Sculpture Fields park we enjoy today. Twenty years ago, we were meeting with him in his loft space next to his fabrication warehouse overlooking Montague Park. We remember meeting with people to raise funds for the park while being met with skepticism and criticism. The idea of filling a brownfield with large-scale, abstract, and geometric metal sculptures was a foreign idea back then.  We were busy designing and developing residential density, supporting the revitalization of Warehouse Row, designing adaptive reuse buildings for artist live/work spaces and offices. We bought into the vision and continued to support Henry and his team when we could. 

Since its reopening in 2016, Sculpture Fields at Montague Park has become the largest sculpture park in the Southeast and one of Chattanooga's premier destinations for residents and visitors alike. HK Architects was honored to be included, once again, in the park’s new visioning process, which began in early 2023 led by Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors and the Chattanooga Design Studio. The design consultant team was led by world renowned landscape architecture firm, Reed Hilderbrand.

The Vision

The vision for Montague Park's future is simple: use the space to bring three important community resources together in one central park -- the Sculpture Fields, Main Street Farmers Market, and Chattanooga Football Club Foundation. The vision plan includes hundreds of new canopy trees (think Central Park in NY),  close to 4 miles of new paths and trails, 7 acres of meadows, and dozens of locations for new sculpture acquisitions.  The planning process has included three steps: Discovery and Site Analysis, Visioning and Testing, and Refining and Projecting. Throughout the process, HK Architects attended stakeholder meetings, focus groups, design meetings, and community engagement sessions to ensure the architectural design would be beneficial to the overall vision plan, but more importantly, rooted in community feedback and interests.

HK Architects worked with Reed Hilderbrand to create The Civic Edge. The primary purpose of this ‘Community Front Porch” is to create a visual and physical transition between Polk Street and the rest of the park. The Civic Edge also serves to keep the park open and wild -- keeping all the architectural programming on one edge of the park. The Civic Edge will also serve as the new home of the Main Street Farmer's Market, the entrance to the Chattooga Football Club's recreational fields, seating and viewing areas, exercise areas, and park maintenance areas. These areas are named "The Urban Living Room", "The Main Entrance and Community Hub", and "The Spectator Zone." This active hub will be covered by an arbor and dotted with open-air and enclosed buildings. 

The "Community Hub", which surrounds the park's main entrance and open community spaces. (Diagram credit Reed Hilderbrand, 2023)

The "Urban Living Room", which contains secondary entrances and comfortable places for park goers to sit. (Diagram credit Reed Hilderbrand, 2023)

The "Spectator Zone", which serves as the park's entrance to the recreational sports fields, spectator seating, and a Crossfit area. (Diagram credit Reed Hilderbrand, 2023)

HK’s Investment

With our office just next door to Montague Park, we have believed in the future of East Main Street for years.  The Wheelhouse, home to HK Architects and other creatives such as Set in Stone, moved into the area in 2016 just as the Sculpture Fields took shape. HK was proud to join Chattanooga Football Club’s blue and white movement in 2009. Another bold vision, founded by a group of local soccer enthusiasts and entrepreneurs created a community-based club joining the National Premier Soccer League then expanding into professional soccer as they joined the National Independent Soccer Association.  The fan base continues to grow and the wild, loud, and dedicated ‘Chattahooligans’ continue cheering keeping the Southside vibrant and connected. 

At the same time, we were able to walk to the Main Street Farmer’s Market to purchase locally grown food, meet the local farmers, and support them. This farmer-run, food-focused market provided another scurry of activity every Wednesday and continues to do so. Creating a park by pairing artists, farmers, and sport enthusiasts sounds unlikely–bold even. These are the projects we are excited to have a hand in and are some of the most impactful developments of our city.

As Chattanooga's Southside neighborhood flourished into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture, HK Architects played a pivotal role in its growth and development. Among the many innovative projects that contributed to the area's transformation, the adaptive reuse of a group of historic Warehouse Row stands out as another example worthy of highlighting.

In the heart of Chattanooga's Southside, nestled among the echoes of a bygone era, lies a historic treasure known as Warehouse Row. In 1984, eight 19th-century storehouses were artfully renovated and integrated into one, giving birth to the Warehouse Row shopping center. In the early 2000s, Warehouse Row was at a crossroads. It had witnessed various tenants come and go, but its potential for revitalization remained untapped. Jamestown Properties collaborated with HK Architects, formerly known as Hefferlin Kronenberg Architects, to breathe new life into this iconic structure.

Historic photo of Warehouse Row (above) which now houses Public House and retail stores such as JCrew, Anthropologie, and Lulu Lemon (below).

The How and the Why

The first step in the revitalization of Warehouse Row was the development of a comprehensive master plan. This plan aimed to not only engage the surrounding city but also to transform the center into an urban lifestyle hub. The result was a brilliant blend of historic preservation and modern functionality.

Adaptive Reuse: Rather than bulldozing the historic storehouses, HK Architects and the client recognized their intrinsic value. They carefully preserved and repurposed these 19th-century gems, ensuring that the rich history of Warehouse Row remained an integral part of its identity.

Central Mall: One of the key elements of the redesign was the introduction of a central mall. This innovation created a vibrant and collaborative workspace that attracted entrepreneurs, startups, and creative minds. Warehouse Row evolved from a mere shopping center into a dynamic community hub.

High-End Retail: The architects understood the need to attract a diverse range of visitors. To achieve this, they incorporated high-end retail spaces for home and fashion brands. This not only elevated the shopping experience but also drew in a discerning clientele.In addition to retail, spaces were allocated for restaurants as well.

Convenient Parking: Accessibility was another vital aspect of the project. To ensure that visitors had easy access to Warehouse Row, convenient adjacent parking facilities were developed. This strategic move welcomed more foot traffic and ensured that the center was a bustling local destination.

How Warehouse Row Sparked a Southside Renaissance

The redesign not only breathed new life into Warehouse Row but also injected economic vitality into the Southside neighborhood. New businesses flourished, and the local economy thrived, leading to an increase in employment opportunities.

HK Architects’  visionary transformation of Warehouse Row stands as a testament to the power of innovative design and historic preservation. Their dedication to revitalizing this iconic structure not only reinvigorated a historic landmark but also injected economic vitality playing a pivotal role in the renaissance of Chattanooga's Southside. More to come on our #southsideseries.

Read more about our Warehouse Row project here.

The Fields, located just a short distance from Chattanooga, is not your average community. It's a meticulously planned development that aims to cater to aviators and their families – a luxury fly in community. The allure of uncontrolled airspace combined with easy access to major cities by personal aircraft makes it a dream location for those who seek luxury living intertwined with their passion for aviation. 

The Fields' development is set to unfold in several phases, with the initial phase introducing a residential community complete with an airstrip, hangar, fine dining options, an organic grocery, and a community center with a pool and spa. Phase two will see the addition of 340 residential sites and an expansive outdoor adventure park, expanding the community's horizons. In phase three, they will introduce a boutique hotel with overnight plane parking, a brewery, and a vineyard, all designed to elevate the overall experience. Phase four, will showcase mountain-side homes that offer breathtaking views of the aviation community below, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern living.

For the concept of The Fields, HK Architects is calling the design approach "Cumberland Contemporary," – defined as a style that draws inspiration from the distinctive natural beauty of the Cumberland region of Tennessee.

Cumberland Contemporary: A Tennessee Modern Style

Cumberland Contemporary is all about blending modern design with rustic charm, creating a luxurious yet down-to-earth ambiance. We take pride in using sustainable, regionally sourced materials such as timber and stone to bring this unique style to life. This approach not only harmonizes the homes with the surrounding environment but also reflects the heart of Tennessee.

To vividly illustrate the essence of life at The Fields, our team employed BIM software to create detailed renderings of a model home. These renderings serve as powerful tools in marketing and real estate listings, allowing prospective residents and investors to envision themselves within this unique architectural style. 

But we didn't stop at renderings. To provide an immersive experience of what it's like to live at The Fields, HK Architects crafted a captivating walkthrough video. This video serves as your personal guide, akin to touring the property with a real estate agent. It illustrates the luxury and modernity that defines the Cumberland Contemporary style.