Parson's Table building under review by Historic Zoning Commission

The former Parson's Table restaurant is located at 102 W. Woodrow Ave. in Jonesborough. FILE PHOTO Repairs could be coming soon to the Parson's Table building. Jonesborough's Historic Zoning Commission discussed restoration at the Parson's Table building while approving a small addition for the local Presbyterian Church. The HZC approved a small expansion for Jonesborough Presbyterian Church during its regular meeting Thursday, clearing the way for a new storage building behind the church's addition on West Main Street. The church at 128 West Main Street requested permission to place a storage shed on the west side of the property near the existing driveway. Presenter Doug Hillmuth said the structure would match the roof line and color of the current rear building. "Aesthetically, it has to look good," Hillmuth said at the meeting. "We actually have a lot of traffic back there." The shed will store ladders, tools and other equipment. Commissioners said the proposal met Historic Zoning Commission standards, and the request passed unanimously. The commission also postponed action on a planned black handrail along West Main Street. Frank Collins, chairman of the HZC, said costs came in higher than expected and the project will be rebid, with no decision expected until January. He added that the town may shorten the planned distance to reduce expenses. The request calls for a decorative black metal handrail on the north side of West Main Street in the 300 block, where the raised sidewalk has been considered a hazard. The handrail would run from West Main Street to near the driveway of 300 W. Main and match the style of the rail on Boone Street at the nearby First Baptist Church. Commissioners also discussed the deteriorating state of the former Parson's Table property. No formal action was taken, but the building is under review for possible placement in the town's Demolition by Neglect process, which provides owners with a list of required repairs but does not automatically mean demolition. Built in 1874 as the First Christian Church, the building later became Widow Brown's restaurant under Jimmy Neil Smith, founder of the National Storytelling Festival. Renamed The Parson's Table, it operated for years before shifting to an event venue. Parson's Brew LLC purchased the property in 2021. After a roof replacement, commissioners said the structure has remained largely abandoned. "Jimmy Neil Smith's legacy is tied up in that building," Collins said. "They replaced the roof sometime ago, but the building is still deteriorating…" Commissioners noted ongoing problems including black mold, boarded windows, vermin access, failing brick and unsecured doors. A report has been requested from the town building inspector. Once reviewed, the commission will determine next steps and plans to ask the owners to attend the next meeting before moving forward in the Demolition by Neglect process. The next Historic Zoning Commission is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the Jonesborough Town Hall located at 123 Boone St., Jonesborough.