MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - A long-vacant site in the heart of Murfreesboro is finally slated for development. On May 7th, the Murfreesboro City Council approved the sale of approximately 8.62 acres of land at the corner of Medical Center Parkway and Gateway Boulevard to Hackberry 5 Properties, LLC. This location, once intended for the Notes Live music venue, will now become home to a "destination-style" event center and restaurant.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS
•Prime Location: The city is selling 8.62 acres of land near Medical Center Parkway and Gateway Boulevard for a new hospitality hub.
•Local Leadership: The developers are Shawn and Christy Hackinson, the well-known owner-operators of The Alley on Main and One of Nineteen Cocktails.
•Major Investment: The planned venue will have a combined capacity exceeding 650 guests and includes both event spaces and a restaurant.
•Economic Boost: Projections show the development will generate nearly $12 million in tax revenue for Murfreesboro over the next 20 years.

The project is a local effort led by Shawn and Christy Hackinson, who have already made a mark on the downtown area as the owners of The Alley on Main and One of Nineteen Cocktails. Their new proposal features an event venue and restaurant facility with a combined capacity of more than 650 guests. Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland emphasized the need for such a venue, stating that the city's central location makes it a frequent host for statewide events. He added, right before unanimous passage by the council, that this is a good public/private partnership with a local business owner:

This new space will provide a much-needed option for groups ranging from 250 to 600 people to stay within the city.

The city expects a significant return on this investment, with the project slated to bring in $12 million in property and sales taxes over the next two decades. Notably, the agreement involves no city subsidies or tax breaks, as the developers are responsible for all zoning and construction costs.

The council included strict safeguards in the contract to ensure the project moves forward. If work does not begin within 180 days of closing, or if construction fails to start within a year, the city retains the right to repurchase the property. The final closing date is set for March 11, 2027.