Governor's mansion design to address leaking, mold issues

Governor's mansion design to address leaking, mold issues

NASHVILLE (AP) - Officials say the new underground facility planned for the governor's mansion will have a design that will address leaking, mold and high renovation costs that has plagued another state-built below-ground building.

The project to build a subterranean meeting hall at the executive resident in Oak Hill has concerned neighbors and critics who say it's a waste of money.

State architect Mike Fitts says the state-of-the-art materials and design offers a new approach than what was used for Legislative Plaza, Tennessee lawmakers' underground office complex.

The building was built in the mid-1970s and the state spent about $14 million renovating it to repair leaks and water damage from the roof.

Officials say the meeting hall will have a sloped, mostly grass roof and a continuous concrete shell with two waterproofing layers to protect it.

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