A glimpse inside a Laurel landmark
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Gary and Lori Tanner, owners of the Eastman Gardiner and Company Lumbermen Building, which is the headquarters for Tanner Construction Company.
George S. Gardiner built this office for himself as president of Eastman -Gardiner. It was built in the 18th Century English Renaissance Style and is now occupied by Gary Tanner, president of Tanner Construction Company.
Standing in front of a long map table with land sales books dating back to 1910, Keith and Carolyn Holifield enjoyed getting a glimpse of the beautiful building. “We are so glad they (Gary and Lori Tanner) were able to get this and that it will be preserved,” said Carolyn Holifield.
Main lobby entrance.
In the main lobby this original bronze chandelier hangs from an ornate ceiling. It is typical of the Roman Renaissance but also portrays an English influence.
In the center of the main lobby is a beautiful counter made with Botticino marble. The floor is Touraine marble, the pilasters and wainscoting are Botticino marble, and the walls above the wainscoting are Caen stone from France.
The statement repeated throughout the evening by attendees was “I’ve always wanted to see the inside of this building.” The building has long been a mystery to residents of Laurel and visitors alike, with its’ garden setting surrounded by a brick wall and wrought iron fence. Few people have had the opportunity to get a glimpse inside this historical building.
According to documents provided by the Tanners, the building was constructed in 1912 and designed by prominent New York architect Frank A. Colby. It’s lay-out was inspired by a summer house (which Italians call a casino) built around 1584 by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, grandson of Pope Paul III Farnese in Caprarola, which is located just north of Rome.
The style of the building is primarily Italian Renaissance; however, it has elements of several architectural styles: English, French, Roman and American. In August of 1977, three months after graduating from Mississippi State University with a civil engineering technology degree, Gary Tanner started Tanner Construction with one John Deer 450 bulldozer. By April 1978 he was able to add another bulldozer and then a third in June.
“Back then I had no idea we would grow to be this big,” explained Tanner. “I’ve had a lot of help along the way. Mr. Nemo Clark with Clark’s Engineering was instrumental in helping me get my first state aid road project in 1979, a two-mile project. The business has blossomed from there.”
Today, Tanner Construction has two asphalt plants and has the capability to take on any size road or bridge construction project.
“I started out with one employee,” said Tanner, “and now we have over 250.”
Tanner’s secretary, Janie Koehne, has been with him since 1985. “I can tell you why we are among the top five largest road construction companies in Mississippi, said Koehne. “It’s because we have a good Christian man at the wheel with a dedicated and supportive wife behind him. Not only does he profess it (his Christianity), he lives it. It has been a joy to watch him grow, to see the integrity and hard work he shows and the compassion he has for his employees. Most of us have been here a long time. If you walked down this hall and asked the people in these offices how long they’ve been here, you would hear 10 to 15 years or longer.”
It seems only fitting that Gary Tanner and his wife Lori, with such humble beginnings, would end up as owners of this beautiful and historic building.
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« Charlie W. Smiley Jr wrote on Saturday, Mar 28 at 02:14 PM »
I was born and raised in Laurel, Ms, graduated High School in 1955. I worked at the Help Your Self Super market across the alley/street from this building. It has long held a warmth and fascination for me every time I saw it, or walked/drove by it. I was in Laurel March 23, 24, and had to stop and take pictures. I am so happy it has survived the years. My sincere congratulations to the Tanners in this most worthwhile endeavor. Charlie W. Smiley, Jr--3005 Oakside Cr, Alpharetta, Ga 30004
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