Case Study: Frist Art Museum, A New Roof for a Nashville Landmark

Project Overview 

Few jobs draw as much attention or require as much precision as working on the roof of a historic landmark in the heart of Nashville. Maxwell Roofing delivered an innovative roofing system designed to last while protecting the integrity and safety of one of Nashville’s most iconic buildings. Our reroofing project at the Frist Art Museum combined technical challenges, high visibility, and delicate coordination with the museum’s active exhibition schedule.

Challenges

The project presented a trifecta of challenges: preservation requirements for a historic building, logistical constraints of a downtown site, and the high visibility of creating a distinctive rooftop feature.

1. Protecting Historic Integrity

The primary challenge was selecting and installing a durable, high-performance system without compromising the Frist’s irreplaceable historic structure. This ruled out roof systems requiring extensive mechanical fastening that could potentially damage the original building components.

2. Downtown Logistical Precision

Operating in a highly trafficked downtown area near Broadway required a level of logistical rigor unique to Nashville. Every material delivery and crane pick had to happen between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. to completely avoid peak Broadway traffic and minimize neighborhood disruption.

With minimal staging room and priceless contents below, materials were secured with tie-downs and inspected daily to prevent the slightest risk of material damage or wind-related hazard.

Maxwell’s Strategic Solutions

Maxwell Roofing addressed these constraints through a combination of innovative technology, operational discipline, and in-house craftsmanship.

1. The VTR System: Protection Through Airflow

The centerpiece of our solution was the installation of a vacuum-sealed VTR (Vapor Torch Relief) roofing system. This technology uses negative pressure (air circulation within the system) to secure the membrane, requiring fewer mechanical fasteners. This made it an ideal, low-impact choice for preserving the Frist’s historic structure while guaranteeing exceptional wind-uplift performance.

2. Disciplined Execution and Leadership

Much of the project’s success is due to Supervisor Mikki Zimonjic, who led with incredible attention to detail and ownership. To prevent water intrusion risks during the lengthy project, Mikki and his crew performed nightly tie-ins and conducted daily interior checks. This disciplined approach was essential for protecting both the new roofing system and the museum’s priceless contents below.

3. Custom Fabrication and Architectural Integration

This project focused on both performance and creating something unique. Every architectural detail, from the copper downflashings on custom gutters and downspouts to the unique rooftop logo, had to be executed with precision.

The massive, high-profile logo is visible from dozens of downtown buildings, spanning 60 feet long and up to 15 feet tall. Each letter was meticulously measured, accurately chalked, and welded into place using the same membrane material as the roof. Our field team’s meticulous craftsmanship allowed the Frist to create this visually stunning component while preserving the full roof warranty.

Outcome and Long-Term Value

By combining strategic system selection (VTR), rigorous operational scheduling, and custom in-house fabrication expertise, Maxwell Roofing delivered a result that exceeded structural needs and client expectations.

The Frist Art Museum received a durable, warranty-backed roof system specifically chosen to protect its historic integrity. The innovative rooftop logo serves as a visually stunning signature, seamlessly integrated without compromising the system’s performance. The project showcases Maxwell Roofing’s capacity to handle high-stakes, high-visibility projects with maximum craftsmanship, security, and partnership.