Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of April 2026
The effort is clear. Gainesboro wants a new life and long-term economic activity in the town.
The anchor to that reconstruction is the Cordell Hotel (formerly the Shamrock Hotel) restoration project on the town’s square. Leading the way will be Wasioto Restoration Company (WRC), which will oversee the project in partnership with Granville Enterprises LLC, operators of Wildwood Resort & Marina.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in WRC’s broader investment in Gainesboro and the Upper Cumberland region, according to a release. Construction is expected to begin by the end of April 2026, with completion projected in about 10 months. The first guests are anticipated to arrive in spring 2027.
Wasioto Restoration Company President Marc Stengel said the collaboration represents a broader vision for regional growth and connectivity.
“WRC could not be more excited to partner with Wildwood,” said Stengel. “They’ve become a cornerstone of hospitality and tourism in this region. With Wildwood at Cordell Hull Lake in Granville and the Cordell Hotel on Gainesboro’s Town Square, we’re creating a natural axis of hospitality that strengthens the entire Upper Cumberland experience.”
From l. to r.: Marc Stengel, John Deane and David Hecht
John Deane, owner of Granville Enterprises, said the project goes beyond restoring a landmark hotel. “It’s about restoring a sense of Place.”
“… When you combine thoughtful design, strong local partnerships, and real operational expertise, you create something that feels authentic to Gainesboro while still elevating the experience for visitors. That’s what makes this project meaningful,” said Deane.
The Cordell Hotel project is part of a broader revitalization effort known as the WRC Gainesboro Project, launched in 2025 to support long-term growth.
Project rendering
The project will include:
- The Board Room, a new steakhouse opened in October 2025 and located on Town Square steps away from Cordell Hotel, will serve as the primary food service for hotel guests.
- The Upper Cumberland Adventure Center™, which will serve as a concierge-style hub offering regional tourism information and curated outdoor experiences.
Both will be housed in the newly renamed Wasioto Building at South Main and East Hull Streets.
Additional project partners include:
- Joseph & Joseph Architects (Nashville, TN)
- RNGD Contractors (Nashville, TN)
- KPFF engineering teams
- C. Thomasson Associates, Inc., a Salas O’Brien Company (ICT), ECS and Frost Environmental
- David Hecht, Principal, Formwork Development – hotel consulting branding and marketing by Embody Design and Kudzu Marketing (Nashville, TN)
- Historic Tax Credit consulting by Southkick (New Orleans, LA)
Photos provided.
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