Brentwood house burned for training exercise, and to make way for new construction – Tennessean

Bill Lewis, Special to Nashville Tennessean, USA TODAY NETWORK newsrooms in Tennessee Published 5:00 a.m. CT April 22, 2020

With extended school closures due to Coronavirus outbreak, Williamson County Schools with nonprofits like One Generation Away and Graceworks Ministries are providing various food distribution opportunities around the county. Nashville Tennessean

A home engulfed in flames is usually a frightening sight, but a recent house fire in Brentwood was a welcome event. It enhanced public safety by providing a training opportunity for the citys fire and police departments and set the stage for construction of three new homes.

It was a great opportunity for them to hone their skills, said Realtor Lisa Culp Taylor, who leads the LCT Team at Parks.

Williamson County home builder Doug Majors acquired the house and the surrounding 7 acres at 935 Edmondson Pike with plans to construct three new homes on the property. Instead of tearing down the house, an older ranch-style building, and hauling the debris to a landfill, he made it available to the citys first responders for realistic training.

They accepted the offer, but first Majors had to remove any potentially hazardous materials. He took out carpets and other items that might release toxic fumes. He also removed the water heater and anything else that would not burn.

The Brentwood Fire Department and firefighters from Nolensville and other jurisdictions then made plans to burn the structure and practice their firefighting procedures.

Majors credits Taylor, his Realtor, with having the idea of making the house available for police and firefighter training.

It was a good one, Major said of the idea. It seemed like a good opportunity to give back.

GET THE LATEST UPDATES:Download the free Tennessean app on your mobile device

The Brentwood fire department used a home donated by builder Doug Majors for a controlled burn training. The house was prepped first by the builder for safety and health precautions.(Photo: Submitted)

Over several days before the fire, the Brentwood Police Departments SWAT team held training exercises. Later, as smoke and flames rose over the structure, firefighters went into action.

Before the blaze was set, the city issued a statement so the fire wouldnt scare anyone or attract a crowd of curious onlookers.

You will notice smoke in the area from 9 a.m. to around noon when the heaviest of the smoke will occur. We do not encourage the public to try and attend, the statement said.

Even so, a small crowd gathered to watch as the house was burned over several hours.

They would burn a part of the house, put it out and light additional fires, said Majors.

After doing that several times, firefighters ignited the entire house.

Stay up to date on real estate and development news: Sign up forTheTennessean's business newsletterto get updates right in your inbox.

Brentwood Fire & Rescue Training used a home donated by builder Doug Majors for safety training.(Photo: Geinger Hill)

Majors is preparing to begin work on the first new home on the property. The house is being built on spec, but he expects that buyers will seek out the property.

Architect Michael Katsaitis, principal with MK Studio in Brentwood, designed the house to resemble a home that has been in a family for generations.

It looks like it has evolved over the years, with the homeowner adding on, he said.

The site of a Brentwood Fire Department controlled burn is the future location of three new homes being built by Doug Majors, Majors Construction.(Photo: Plat Rendering, LCT Team Parks Realty)

The result will be a home that looks like it has been part of the landscape for years, but inside it will have all of the features of a new home.

The house will have 4,600 square feet of living space, with two bedrooms on the main level and three bedrooms and a playroom upstairs. A stairway will be showcased at the front of the house, but there will also be an elevator. Each bedroom will have a private bath. There will be a powder room on both floors.

The interior will have a modern, open floor plan with 12-foot ceilings on the main level and 10-foot ceilings upstairs, said Katsaitis.

The main-level master bedroom will form its own wing detached from the rest of the house, creating a private retreat, he said.

Majors hopes to pre-sell the other two homes he plans to build on the property. Katsaitis said one will be a rustic cottage and the other will be a more contemporary design. Each house will be on more than 2 acres. The rear of the property is wooded.

The location, which is inside the Williamson County school district and close to offices, shopping and dining, adds to the sites appeal, said Taylor.

There is easy, convenient access to Brentwood. Its a middle point on Concord Road. You could run to Brentwood or its just as close to run to Nolensville. Easy access to Cool Springs for restaurants and dining, she said.

Read or Share this story: https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/real-estate/2020/04/22/brentwood-house-burned-training-exercise/5164719002/

See the rest here:
Brentwood house burned for training exercise, and to make way for new construction - Tennessean