Marathon Motor Works (formerly Southern Engine and Boiler Works) set up shop to build the first car manufactured entirely in the South. The height of their glory didn’t last long however, and the demand for Marathon cars rose beyond their capacity. By 1914, the building was empty. 

After a brief stint as a bag factory, the Marathon Village property fell into disuse and disrepair, left to the devices of time and in the care of riff-raff.

History of Marathon

The property we now know as Marathon Village wasn’t always a thriving hub for community and creativity. The brick and mortar in these walls tell a tale of innovation, industry, and the changing landscape of a city.
 
Originally constructed for the Nashville Cotton Mills in 1881, the story began two decades later–when Marathon Motors Works came to town. Suddenly, Nashville was the setting for William Henry Collier’s automotive masterpiece making its way into the mainstream.

A relic of history was
given a new future after its optimistic opening and dramatic shut down led to a near demolition a decade later. Barry Walker saw the gold within and brought Marathon back to life.

untouched relic

1920

The Werthan Bag Company briefly took over the building but their tenure was short lived

The Story

1881

1881

Nashville cotton mill was constructed

1910

Marathon Motor Works purchased the building

1912

Demand for cars was so high, marathon motor works couldn't keep up

1914

after attempting questionable business practices to try to satisfy the demand, marathon motor works was forced to shut down for good

1996

for 30 years the building stood vacant, exposed to the elements and trespassers

Marathon Village was home to almost 50 companies leasing the space between the factory and offices, with retail to follow shortly thereafter

1920

The Werthan Bag Company briefly took over the building but their tenure was short lived

1986

Fresh in Nashville, Barry walker needed a space for his business and became fascinated with the vacant building despite the local undesirables inhabiting it

1992

Barry purchased the back half of the factory

1993

Barry had purchased the entire building

1994

Barry bought up the rest of the neighbhorhood and dubbed it "marathon Village"

Caught between an infrastructure of the past and the possibilities of the 1990’s, Nashville was changing–becoming a city full of industry and life. In the wake of this evolution, Marathon Motor Works remained an
                          of the past and the city was ready to tear it down and build something new.

Nashville's Historic Automobile Factory