CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The National Register of Historic Places – the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation – now includes downtown Clarksville’s Joseph Dunlop House at 517 Madison St.
The owners of the Dunlop House, Gracey General Partnership, received the news in January that the home would be added to the national register. Properties listed in the national register are automatically included in the Tennessee register as well.
“As our family company continues to make waves in the Clarksville urban development scene, we’re excited to share the journey of building a more walkable and vibrant downtown community,” said Jennifer Willoughby with GGP.
How we got here: Demolition to restoration
The process of adding the Dunlop House to the national register has been a long convoluted affair that started with the previous owner, and then the new owners GGP, looking to demolish the home back in 2023.
In April 2025, after demolition was rejected, the Common Design Review Board approved site plans for a mixed-use development called The Joseph to be built around the Dunlop House.
Before voting and approving the site plans, however, the board introduced an amendment that asked the developer to verify with the RPC that they are making progress on seeking to have the house added to the National Register of Historic Places. Now, that amendment has been satisfied.
In response to the news, the Montgomery County Preservation Coalition told Clarksville Now on Monday, “MCPC, along with so many members of this community, greatly appreciate Gracey General Partnership’s commitment to preserving this important historic home and safeguarding its legacy for future generations. Their dedication to honoring and protecting our community’s architectural heritage is truly commendable. We look forward to seeing the future of this project when new and historic meet together.”
What’s planned for The Joseph
The Joseph will be comprised of two four-story buildings connected by a bridge, with an additional Madison Street level – essentially five stories on the Madison Street side.
A 50,700-square-foot apartment building would be at the west side of the property. 4,250 square feet of connected retail space would front Madison Street, with the Dunlop House remaining in the center. The apartment building will contain 92 apartment units, according to site plans.
Previous reporting
- What’s it like inside Dunlop House? State considers property for Register of Historic Places
- Plans to build ‘The Joseph’ around Dunlop House approved by review board, Regional Planning Commission
- UPDATE: Developer will revise plan for mixed-use development at Dunlop House downtown
- New site plans for Dunlop House in Clarksville include 4-story buildings on both sides
- Dunlop House’s new owner trying to replace it with parking garage, retail space along Madison Street
- Dunlop Mansion’s new owner sues City of Clarksville to get demolition permit
- Plan rejected to demolish historic house on Madison Street in Clarksville
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