A unique architectural project driven by apocalyptic beliefs and survivalism.
Millennium Manor, also known as the “apocalypse-proof pink marble house,” stands as a unique architectural marvel in Alcoa, Tennessee. The manor’s story begins with William and Emma Nicholson, who, driven by their interpretation of the Bible, believed Armageddon would occur in 1959. They envisaged themselves among the 144,000 righteous people destined to survive and live for 1,000 years thereafter. This belief spurred the construction of Millennium Manor in 1937, with William Nicholson undertaking the colossal task mostly single-handedly, employing levers, pulleys, and ramps to maneuver Tennessee pink marble and other materials into place. His techniques ensured the manor’s durability and unique Roman arch and keystone design, drawing parallels to the Alamo’s architecture in Texas.
After Emma’s death in 1950 and the non-occurrence of the predicted Armageddon, William Nicholson revised the apocalypse’s expected date to 1969. William also died in 1965, and as a result of the subsequent loss of the house due to unpaid property taxes, Millennium Manor saw various owners, including its use as a haunted house attraction, before being threatened with demolition.
Dean and Karen Fontaine who purchased the manor in 1995 for $40,000, embarking on a journey to restore and preserve this historical structure. Their efforts have seen the manor transition from a potential demolition site to a celebrated piece of architectural history, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serving as a venue for weddings, doomsday parties, and public tours, embodying a blend of historical preservation and modern utilization.
image via Atlas Obscura
