Tennessee State University's McKissack Buildings

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University (TSU) is the only public HBCU in Tennessee and a showcase of the McKissack firm’s architectural legacy. With the highest concentration of McKissack-designed neoclassical buildings in the country, TSU’s campus reflects both historical significance and architectural splendor.

Key McKissack structures include Goodwill Manor, the Love Building, Industrial Arts Building, Clay Hall, Hankal Hall, and the Engineering Building. Built during McKissack’s early years, these buildings remain some of the most admired landmarks on campus. We’ll describe several of them here, but please note that you cannot enter campus unless first checking in with security at the entrance gate. We also encourage you to take our TSU walking tour on Nashville Sites!

Goodwill Manor, constructed around 1915 by Moses McKissack, is a two-story Classical Revival-style building with a hipped roof, Doric columns, and symmetrical facade. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this presidential residence also has hosted distinguished guests, including Booker T. Washington, Madame C.J. Walker, and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

The Love Building, TSU’s first library, played a crucial role in shaping TSU as a premier HBCU. Hankal Hall, a modernist limestone structure, opened in 1957 as a women’s residence hall, honoring a beloved professor. Clay Hall, named after educator Robert Clay, remains a key facility for teacher training.

The Industrial Arts Building was completed in the early 1930s, and the Jim Nance McCord Engineering Building was completed in the 1940s. These structures highlight TSU’s status as a Land Grant University, modeled after Tuskegee Institute. Both Classical Revival-style buildings emphasize technical education, reinforcing TSU’s commitment to producing leaders in science, engineering, and industry.

The Learning Resource Center, originally Memorial Library, built in 1927 and expanded in 1949, showcases Classical Revival and Classical Modern elements. The Martha M. Brown-Lois H. Daniel Library (1977) is one of Nashville’s finest Brutalist structures, emphasizing bold concrete forms and functionality.

TSU continues to honor the McKissack family’s architectural brilliance, preserving its historical roots while inspiring new generations of students to pursue their dreams at the intersection of education, culture, and community.

Once you return to your car, exit onto John A. Merritt Blvd. and turn LEFT onto 33rd Ave. N. Turn RIGHT onto Albion Ave.--you’ll pass Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church on your left. Then turn LEFT onto Clare Ave. and LEFT onto 38th Ave N. This will take you past the Moses McKissack Middle School and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Turn LEFT onto Batavia Street. You’ll see great examples of mid-century residences at 3610 and 3403 Batavia. Turn LEFT onto 34th Ave N then LEFT onto Clare Ave. to find the historical marker at 35th and Clare. Listen to the stop from here before making your way around Geneva Circle and onto the next stop.