The Cavender House, built as a spacious and elegant family home in 1906, sits on the corner of Oak and Central Avenue in the historical Fort Wood area of Chattanooga. Joseph W. Cavender operated Cavender Machine Co.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Homes, this unique Victorian home was grandfathered for R4 zoning in January of 1981. Nita Tin and her late husband, Dr Pe Than Tin, well-known Chattanooga ophthalmologist and leading eye surgeon in the Southeast, acquired the property in the early 80’s. The Tins, who had fled Burma in the late seventies, eventually located in Chattanooga. It was in 1981 they first saw the lovely Cavender house and knew it was meant to be their home.
Part of the vision and dream, and the Tins’ motto of “caring for your vision and caring for you”, led the doctor to turn it into a place where they could care for their patients in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in the setting of yesteryear.
Realtor Phyllis James describes the house, "Constructed of solid brick, this two-story home with a three-quarter finished basement, boasts a slate roof in a fish scale and horizontal scale pattern combination, a pyramid and gable roof, wood shingled dormer and front gable pediment, along with a wraparound porch with small Ionic columns, create a stately presence.
"Original features include oak and pinewood floors, wainscoting, mouldings, 10-foot-high pocket doors and transoms. Seven original fireplaces (each a work of art) feature engraved fireplace fittings and are beautiful examples of the Victorian era. Original tiger oak is used on the massive staircase and the floor to ceiling enormous pocket doors which lead to the parlor and the dining room. Beautiful woodwork carvings and intricate etchings throughout the home demonstrate the craftsmanship of this era.
"The foyer/entrance showcases a fireplace and the grand staircase. Walking up the impressive tiger oak staircase to the second floor, the upstairs hallway leads to four large bedrooms, all with high ceilings and huge windows. The beautiful bay window in the front bedroom overlooks the tree-lined Oak Street and provides an inviting setting. An atrium with a chair lift was added to the back of the home to allow for transport from the first level to the second floor."