Historic Zoning Commission

Individual H-1-Buffat-Bailey House: Level II

7-I-14-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II

Application to designate as a City of Knoxville landmark and rezone with an H-1 Overlay.

Site Info

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Buffat-Bailey House is significant as an example of a high-styled Arts and Crafts Knoxville home of the early 20th century. Unique and eclectic in style, it is one of the best examples of the restrained Craftsman style of house that contrasts with the elaborate, mail-order Victorian homes by George F. Barber of the same period. The architect, Martin E. Parmalee, was once Barber's business partner and superintendent. The Buffat- Bailey House is significant as an example of high-style Arts and Crafts design that is rare in Knoxville.

ASSOCIATION WITH SIGNIFICANT PERSONS
Samuel T. Buffat was an executive with the noted H.T. Hackney Company, a wholesale dry goods supplier established in Knoxville in 1891 and currently one of the largest grocery wholesalers in the United States.

Daniel Bailey was a bluegrass and gospel musician and radio announcer in Knoxville's early radio days. He and the Happy Valley Boys appeared on radio station WSM in Nashville for several years. In the 1940s, Danny was the youngest leader of any act appearing on the Grand Ole Opry.

The house is significant for both its architecture and its association with locally significant persons. The Arts and Crafts style with Asian influence is unique in Knoxville. Occupants of the home included Samuel T. Buffat , an executive with the noted H.T. Hackney Company and Daniel Bailey , a bluegrass and gospel musician and radio announcer in Knoxville's early radio days.