The Walnut House receives $5,000 from Main Street Murfreesboro Property Enhancement Grant
The Walnut House finished facade work using a Main Street Murfreesboro grant.
Main Street Murfreesboro is proud to announce that the 2025 Property Enhancement Grant has been awarded to The Walnut House, located at 116 North Walnut Street. The $5,000 grant, approved in 2025, supported exterior improvements that were completed this spring.
A check presentation was held on April 21 with owner David Cavallin and General Manager Ricky Martini, joined by members of the Main Street Murfreesboro Board of Directors. Grant funds were used to replace the building’s front doors and windows, enhancing both the appearance and functionality of this historic downtown property.
The Walnut House operates as a premier event venue.
The building at 116 North Walnut Street has experienced many transformations since its original construction and continues to play an important role in Murfreesboro’s evolving downtown landscape. Today, The Walnut House operates as a premier event venue, check out the Walnut House here. Hosting weddings, corporate gatherings, music events, and local fundraisers this space can transform any event. Its updated façade now better reflects the vibrancy and charm of the surrounding historic district.
History of 116 North Walnut Street
On June 12, 1812, the commissioners of Murfreesboro advertised lots in town to be auctioned. John M. Tilford on August 27, 1812, bought lots 30, 29, and lot 16, which is present day one hundred sixteen North Walnut Street.
After passing through several different owners, N.D. Overall became the owner of one hundred sixteen North Walnut on August 3, 1904, when he purchased the land and house for $800. Over the next 28 years the property changed hands within the Overall family. In 1907 the lot became the home of the Agricultural Implements Warehouse.
The 115th Field Artillery Armory and barn made their home on the property in the 1920s. On March 23, 1928, the Tennessee General Assembly renewed their lease and the unit remained at 116 North Walnut until September 22, 1940, when they were called to active duty during WWII. When they returned after the war ended, they relocated to Smyrna. Rented from the new property owners, this property was used as a used car lot in the latter part of the 1940s.
Roy Byrn constructed two buildings on the land while he was owner. After he built them, Swap Shop Antiques occupied the property from 1966-1970. Joe Scombe, the owner bought antiques in New York to sell in the shop and auctions were also held here. In the early 1970s, Mill End Fabrics occupied the property.
At the death of Roy G. Byrn, Sr., the property passed to Roy C. Byrn, Jr. He promptly sold 116 N. Walnut to James L. Lewis and Edward H. Jones. They purchased it for $55,000 on April 11, 1977. They ran the Lewis-Jones Appliance Company from this location for twenty-seven years. The business was in operation for more than forty years.
In the 1980s, 116 N. Walnut Street changed addresses with an addition built onto the lot. The original building was given the 118 address, and the new addition kept the 116 address, where The Walnut House is located now.
Since that time The Walnut House has seen many uses, from an on-site men's recovery center to several different churches.
Since 2018, the space has been owned by David Cavallin and used as an event venue.
Property owner thanks Main Street Board for financial assistance through grant.
David Cavallin expressed his gratitude for the support, stating, “Thank you sincerely for awarding The Walnut House this generous grant. We are honored by your support and deeply appreciate the trust you have extended to our team and our mission to attract visitors to Murfreesboro's historic downtown from across the region. We are thrilled with how the new façade has transformed our presence on Walnut Street.”
