Thistle Farms Toured Old Tennessee State Prison Site

The nonprofit evaluated the 120-acre former prison property for potential expansion and site revitalization.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of a stone masonry archway, representing the revitalization of a large-scale institutional site. — Thistle Farms leadership is evaluating the 120-acre former Tennessee State Prison property for potential manufacturing expansion and administrative consolidation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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On August 4, 2026, leadership from Nashville-based nonprofit Thistle Farms toured the 120-acre former Tennessee State Prison property. The organization is exploring the site to potentially consolidate its manufacturing and administrative operations.

Why it matters

Thistle Farms seeks to expand its reach in serving survivors of addiction and exploitation, though the massive restoration costs present a significant hurdle. The move would represent a major transition for the group from its current capacity to a sprawling, historic campus.

Thistle Farms currently reports $13 million in annual revenue and employs 125 people. Restoring the 128-year-old prison site is estimated to cost more than $100 million.

The players

Thistle Farms

This Nashville-based nonprofit provides residential programming and employment for women survivors of addiction and exploitation.

Becca Stevens

She serves as the Reverend and leader of Thistle Farms and is a prominent advocate for the organization's mission.

Tennessee General Services Department

This state agency manages government facilities and property assets in Tennessee.

The details

The nonprofit, which manufactures products like candles and lotions to fund its mission, aims to revitalize the long-vacant facility that stopped housing inmates in 1992. While officials from Thistle Farms have expressed interest in the location, the site remains partially in use by the state Corrections Department.

The Tennessee State Prison opened for operations in 1898.
The facility officially stopped housing inmates in 1992.
Thistle Farms leaders conducted their tour of the prison property on August 4, 2026.
Rev. Becca Stevens discussed the potential prison takeover plan on September 17, 2026.
The state Corrections Department will continue using parts of the property for the next few years.

Market Landscape

The proposal to redevelop the prison site marks a shift from its recent history as a filming location for The Green Mile and The Last Castle. This move aims to pivot the underutilized state property into a hub for social enterprise and nonprofit expansion.

Local shoppers and supporters of the organization may see shifts in operations or future fundraising goals as the group pursues this large-scale campus development. Any potential move remains years away, as the state will continue to utilize the property for the immediate future.

The takeaway

Large-scale historic preservation often requires capital far exceeding typical nonprofit operating budgets. Successful revitalization of such sites usually depends on sustained multi-year fundraising campaigns and government partnership.