the gold sun resurrected

Sometimes demolition will uncover hidden treasures- like an original punched tin ceiling or mahogany woodwork. Things that were often covered up in the overly-forward thinking era of the mid twentieth century come to light in our own more preservation-minded time. The modernist glass facade that covered the old masonry and stonework of the Miller Building comes to mind. Oddly, this 1960s urge to cover up historic detail ends up protecting some buildings better than any preservation movement. Case in point- walking to work this morning, I observed another such treasure had been found:


It's not often you find preserved storefront with glass and the original painted sign. Especially that of a Knoxville icon like the Gold Sun Restaurant. As you may remember, there's been much ado about the fate of 37 Market Square. Eventually, the owner and the HZC agreed to preserve the front bay of the building, while demolishing and rebuilding the rear. It now seems that that decision was quite prescient. I hope that the architects attempt to integrate this gem into their design. I know they will if Kim Trent has anything to say about it. Maybe even the restauranteur could build their concept around the old Gold Sun. I guess that'd mean they'll have to have fried chicken on the menu. Could be worse.