(MURFREESBORO) City Planning Director Greg McKnight updated approximately 40 downtown business owners Tuesday (8/23/2022) at the Main Street Murfreesboro office (225 W. College St.) about four proposals that would greatly enlarge the footprint of the downtown Historic Business District.
The planning director stressed that each venture was very fluid and would change numerous times before there was touchable brick and mortar. In fact, during McKnight’s talk, he received several text messages that changed parts of the plans while he was telling about.
One East College
The square blook development that is best known as where the downtown Methodist Church was formerly located, is moving closer to seeing some movement. It is now One East College, LLC, and fronts East College, North Church, East Lytle Street and N. Spring St.
McKnight described this project as “one that will be developed in the Texas Wrap style”. In other words, the multi-level public parking structure will be the first to be constructed. The retail and residential structures will “wrap around” the garage. Ground breaking will begin as soon as October.
The plans have changed dramatically from the beginning. The old church’s sanctuary and bell tower will remain, but at this time the remaining sections are not touching any new structure. However, the “Texas wrap” style easily allows additional structures to be added, once approved by the City, as needed.
The E. Lytle side of the One East College complex has retail and office space on the first level, and 4 floors residential. N. Church is comprised of 1 floor retail and 3 floors residential. A 9-floor condominium section will be more toward the center.
A rooftop restaurant is also planned for One East College, along with a Murfreesboro Police precinct station. That will incorporate police type golf-carts to patrol the downtown area.
He noted that most of the condos will sell in the $350,000 to $400,000 range. Reports indicate that some of the larger and more luxurious condominiums will go for a dramatically higher price.
McKnight noted, “The City is making certain that earth tremors created by the construction will be monitored closely by electronic sensors buried around the construction zone. That is to protect the many historic homes in the area, along with the adjacent First Presbyterian Church with its elaborate classic stain glass windows.
Broad Street Development
McKnight then updated the group on the proposed development planned for mostly city-owned property where the Murfreesboro Police, old City Hall, and Water Department have occupied for decades.
The planning director noted that seasoned developers who had major successes in Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin are working with the City on this project.
In-depth studies to improve traffic flow throughout the entire historic business district are being made in conjunction with all of the developments.
McKnight explained, “The City is considering making some streets one-way to better control traffic flow. In addition, sections of Broad will possibly include 4-lanes of traffic in each direction.”
Old Bank of America Development
The latest downtown improvement deals with the recently purchased former Bank of America building that fronts E. Main, Spring St., and Vine St.
McKnight indicated that developers plan to include retail space, condos, a 3-4 story parking garage and a possible hotel.
The grassy lot that is next to Shacklett’s Photography, and fronts the town square as well as E. Main, will have a new 4-story structure constructed there. A unique feature that’s proposed is an above driveway pedestrian walkway, or hallway, that connects the new 4-story building with the former bank building.
(left photo) Richard Sandopal, the developer who recently purchased the bank building, was a member of the audience. After the meeting, he told NewsRadio WGNS...
Downtown Parking
McKnight described multi-level indoor parking garages on the drawing board for the One East College, Broad Street and old Bank of America development.
He indicated that a recent study of the current City parking garage that is under both City Hall and the Linebaugh Public Library is approximately 30 per cent occupied in the daytime, and mostly empty at night.
Historic Bottoms Development
McKnight also talked about the Historic Bottoms Project, which includes the Murfree Spring Wetland and boardwalk system that is adjacent to the Discovery Center.
A 2017 plan exploded with enthusiasm that would daylight the old Town Creek as it presently flows underground across city owned property at the corner of S. Church and Broad. It would all be opened and flow under Church Street and cross to flow openly between Hickerson Dr. and Broad. That creek walk would continue and connect with the Stones River Greenway at Cannonsburgh.
That area would include an Arts District, along with music venues and unique restaurants. It also encompasses Cannonsburgh Village and the surrounding property that is used for live entertainment events.
Unused Second Floor Space
Planning Director McKnight mentioned that the City is now looking at unused second floor space in structures around the public square, as well as other areas of the Historic Business District. Could it be used for residential or are there other needs that could possibly benefit from such space?
WGNS hopes to have Murfreesboro Planning Director Greg McKnight with us on a future radio broadcast.
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