Gainesboro Downtown Revival Project Taps Restoration Group

Wasioto Restoration Company to lead renovation of historic Cordell Hull Hotel as part of broader revitalization effort.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:50pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished, geometric metal model of the historic Cordell Hull Hotel, placed on a clean, monochromatic background and dramatically lit to conceptually represent the restoration project's focus on preserving architectural heritage while modernizing the guest experience.A restoration project aims to revive the historic Cordell Hull Hotel as the centerpiece of Gainesboro's downtown revival.Today in Nashville

The town of Gainesboro has tapped Wasioto Restoration Company (WRC) to lead the renovation of the historic Cordell Hull Hotel as part of a broader downtown revitalization project. WRC will partner with Granville Enterprises LLC, operators of Wildwood Resort & Marina, on the hotel restoration, which is expected to begin in late April 2026 and be completed within 10 months. The project is part of WRC's broader investment in Gainesboro and the Upper Cumberland region.

Why it matters

The Cordell Hull Hotel restoration is a key anchor of Gainesboro's efforts to revitalize its downtown and spur long-term economic growth and activity in the region. By partnering with an experienced restoration company like WRC and leveraging the hospitality expertise of Granville Enterprises, the town hopes to create a renewed sense of place and an elevated visitor experience that will strengthen the entire Upper Cumberland area.

The details

The Cordell Hull Hotel project is part of a broader revitalization effort known as the WRC Gainesboro Project, launched in 2025. In addition to the hotel restoration, the project will include the opening of a new steakhouse called The Board Room and the creation of the Upper Cumberland Adventure Center, which will serve as a concierge-style hub for regional tourism information and outdoor experiences. Both will be housed in the newly renamed Wasioto Building.

  • Construction on the Cordell Hull Hotel restoration is expected to begin by the end of April 2026.
  • The hotel renovation project is projected to be completed in about 10 months, with the first guests anticipated to arrive in spring 2027.
  • The Board Room steakhouse opened in October 2025 as part of the broader WRC Gainesboro Project.

The players

Wasioto Restoration Company (WRC)

A restoration company that is leading the Cordell Hull Hotel renovation project and is making broader investments in Gainesboro and the Upper Cumberland region.

Granville Enterprises LLC

The operator of Wildwood Resort & Marina, which is partnering with WRC on the Cordell Hull Hotel restoration project.

Marc Stengel

The president of Wasioto Restoration Company.

John Deane

The owner of Granville Enterprises.

David Hecht

The principal of Formwork Development, who is providing hotel consulting, branding, and marketing services for the project.

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What they’re saying

“WRC could not be more excited to partner with Wildwood. They've become a cornerstone of hospitality and tourism in this region. With Wildwood at Cordell Hull Lake in Granville and the Cordell Hotel on Gainesboro's Town Square, we're creating a natural axis of hospitality that strengthens the entire Upper Cumberland experience.”

— Marc Stengel, President, Wasioto Restoration Company

“It's about restoring a sense of Place. When you combine thoughtful design, strong local partnerships, and real operational expertise, you create something that feels authentic to Gainesboro while still elevating the experience for visitors. That's what makes this project meaningful.”

— John Deane, Owner, Granville Enterprises

What’s next

Construction on the Cordell Hull Hotel restoration is expected to begin by the end of April 2026, with completion projected in about 10 months. The first guests are anticipated to arrive in spring 2027.

The takeaway

The Cordell Hull Hotel restoration project is a key component of Gainesboro's broader efforts to revitalize its downtown and attract long-term economic activity to the region. By partnering with experienced hospitality and restoration companies, the town aims to create an authentic and elevated visitor experience that will strengthen the entire Upper Cumberland area.