Restoration of tornado-ravaged Wynnewood nears completion

CASTALIAN SPRINGS, Tenn. -

It has been four years since a tornado nearly destroyed the historic Wynnewood home in northern Sumner County.

The 19th century log structure took a direct hit in February 2008.

Thanks to a multi-million dollar reconstruction effort, the landmark is now gearing up for its grand reopening.

History buff Rick Hendrix oversaw the restoration. He got the job by showing up after the storm.

"All of the chimneys were knocked down. The whole entire roof structure was gone and the house had been shifted roughly five inches off of its foundation," Hendrix recalled of the damage.

"We had to do it in stages," he continued. "We first of all had to do the emergency stabilization of the house, get it back on its foundation [and] get it in the dry."

The damage wasn't contained to the exterior.

Hendrix said, "This door here blew open. That wall was gone. That chimney that's right behind here, like I said, it had collapsed and was out in the yard. A lot of the furniture was pulled out [and] sucked out in the storm."

Countless artifacts and furniture were scattered about. Workers salvaged, rebuilt and replaced lost items.

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Restoration of tornado-ravaged Wynnewood nears completion