07 Sep Retreat that revitalizes
A good friend of mine recently took me to her hometown to show me an old factory that’s been renovated into condos. It’s in Dickson, about a 45 minute drive west of Nashville.
This is the old Red Cap Factory in downtown Dickson, Tennessee. Now called the Red Cap Flats.
They used to make uniforms here. But now they are three story homes. Melissa and Joe Curcio were gracious enough to show us around their home. They love downtown living and all the conveniences.
Lots of exposed brick throughout the home. This is the main living space on the ground floor. The kitchen is just down the hall.
But they said you really need to see our son and daughter in law’s home. It’s something else. So, with one quick phone call, we were off to see Anthony and Jana’s home just around the corner on Main Street.
You talk about totally unexpected!
This is a view from upstairs looking down on the living room and kitchen of the home.
Jana Curcio was enjoying a relaxing day, kids at school, when we showed up! I just couldn’t believe I was in downtown Dickson.
Below is my interview with her and photos.
What brought your family back to Dickson from Virginia?
Jana- Family, in a nutshell. I grew up in Nashville but Dickson had charm, easy living and family. We wanted our kids to have a place to grow roots and spend time with both sets of grandparents as well as cousins. We didn’t want them growing up on visits once a year.
Why build downtown?
Jana- We love urban living and downtown renewal. I want life to be easy with my bank down the street, coffee across the way, doctor, chiropractor and lawyer all within walking distance. I can step out my door and buy a darling birthday gift for the party that starts in 20 minutes. We wanted to be in the middle of our community. Ultimately, we could have built a house anywhere on beautiful land just for us. But to be able to build something that changes the landscape of the community and creates a space the whole town can commune in and enjoy was more fulfilling than building a house just for 4 people.
Who was your architect and builder?
Jana- Mike Manous Designs in Lebanon and Kerry Pruett is a local contractor. In fact, before it burned to the ground, our contractor used to play in the toy store basement of the building originally on the property.
What was your vision for the space?
Jana- I wanted an indoor/outdoor space where everything revolved around the center of the home so my kids could never hide! I wanted tall ceilings and open loft spaces.
Did you use alot of local materials?
Jana-We used as much local as possible. Cabinets were from Hickman Co., Barry Toy. The pool is local, Volunteer Pools and the ceiling trusses, siding and doors came from Anthony’s uncle, Bill Stewart with Stewart Lumber founded here in Dickson. We also insisted on as many local workers as possible. Many of the men who worked on the house went to high school with Anthony.
Do you have alot of events here?
Jana- We opened the house with our first event in April of 2015 with our daughter and son’s 80 person youth group. We proved it was teenager proof and filled the space with wonderful songs of praise. Since then we’ve been on the tour of homes, hosted fundraisers, small group bible study, funeral receptions and family brunches. We love to entertain.
You mentioned Bible scriptures placed under the floors?
Jana-We have scriptures all over the house to remind us that it is all a gift from God and a space He has given to us for a season of time. Specifically years ago, I kept getting one scripture in many different places pop up in random ways and it was very perplexing…Isaiah 58:12, “Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and restorer of street dwellings.” But we have other scriptures in the house as reminders about good living. In the kitchen is “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” and “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler” in front of the wet bar.
Are you hoping others follow your lead and move downtown?
Jana- Since we moved downtown others are already following. Five years ago there were only 3 people downtown. Now we have 8!
What kind of feedback do you get?
Jana- The most often quote, “I don’t feel like I’m in Dickson,” to which I respond, “This is the beginning of a new Dickson, my friend.”
I think the Curcios have started something! Thank you to Jana and her in-laws for arranging this spontaneous tour. And thanks to my friend, Cindy Waggoner who introduced me to the Curcios.
Just goes to show what creative minds can do and lead to change.
Sources: Mike Manous, Architect, Lebanon, Tn. http://www.manousdesign.com
C. K. Pruett Construction Inc., Dickson, Tn. 615-446-1841 Stewart Lumber Co. Inc., Dickson, Tn. 615-446-5136
Volunteer Pools & Service, Dickson, Tn. 615-326-0888
Toy Cabinets, Hickman County.
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