Ascension Saint Thomas Plans $19M Freestanding ER on Lascassas Pike

Ascension Saint Thomas plans a $19 million, 24/7 freestanding emergency department at Lascassas Pike and East Pitts Lane in Murfreesboro. Its site plan goes before the Murfreesboro Planning Commission on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Ascension Saint Thomas is planning a $19 million freestanding emergency department in east Murfreesboro, at Lascassas Pike and East Pitts Lane on Murfreesboro Medical Clinic's Lascassas Pike property. The ER would be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and treat both adults and children. Ascension says the project is pending state regulatory approval and that construction is expected to begin in 2026.

The site plan is on the agenda for the Murfreesboro Planning Commission on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 111 W. Vine St.

Where is the new Ascension Saint Thomas ER?

Ascension lists the location as Lascassas Pike at E. Pitts Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. The health system is building it with Murfreesboro Medical Clinic (MMC), on MMC's Lascassas Pike property and next to MMC's new outpatient campus.

City planning documents place the building on the north side of East Pitts Lane, on a 2.05-acre lot zoned Commercial Highway (CH).

What will the freestanding ER offer?

According to Ascension, the facility will include:

• 24/7 emergency care, 365 days a year
• 10 treatment rooms
• 2 triage rooms for quick evaluation of incoming patients
• 1 trauma room for serious or life-threatening emergencies
• CT, X-ray and ultrasound imaging
• A full-service laboratory
• Board-certified emergency physicians and clinical teams
• Connection to the Ascension Saint Thomas network for follow-up and specialty care

Ascension says freestanding emergency departments are fully licensed and equipped to treat heart attacks, strokes, trauma, broken bones and severe illness. Patients who need to be admitted would be transferred to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital or another appropriate facility.

What is on the Oct. 21 Planning Commission agenda?

The item is listed as Ascension Saint Thomas Freestanding ER (SP26-0092), a site plan for a 10,574-square-foot building on 2.05 acres, with Ascension as the developer. The city's staff report describes a one-story building with associated parking and a building height of 25 feet, 6 inches.

Planning staff note that the use is permitted by right under the CH zoning. Staff say the site plan is generally in good order and recommend that any approval be made subject to all staff comments, which include landscaping, lighting and sewer details for the applicant to address.

Two related items on the same lot are also on the agenda: an easement plat for MMC Lascassas, Lot 3, on the consent agenda, and a mandatory referral to abandon and relocate a drainage easement along East Pitts Lane to fit the building footprint.

Why is Ascension building an ER in east Murfreesboro?

Ascension says the eastern part of Rutherford County is one of its fastest-growing areas and that the ER is meant to cut travel times for residents who would otherwise cross town for emergency care. The health system describes the project as part of an ongoing $600 million investment in Rutherford County over the past 15 years.

Another health care project proposed along Lascassas Pike this fall is the Cedar Grove youth psychiatric hospital.

ER or urgent care?

Ascension's guidance is that urgent care centers are best for minor illnesses and injuries such as colds, flu symptoms, minor cuts, sprains or ear infections. The emergency department is for serious or potentially life-threatening conditions, including chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke symptoms, severe abdominal pain, broken bones and major injuries.

For non-emergencies, OnlyInMurfreesboro's urgent care in Murfreesboro guide lists walk-in options, and the pediatrician guide covers children's doctors. Planning Commission meetings are held at Murfreesboro City Hall.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Ascension Saint Thomas ER on Lascassas Pike open?

Ascension has not announced an opening date. It says construction is expected to begin in 2026, pending state regulatory approval, and that updates will be posted on its project page.

Is a freestanding ER the same as a hospital ER?

Ascension says yes: the facility will offer the same level of emergency care, with imaging, lab and trauma capabilities on site. It will not have inpatient beds, so patients who need admission will be transferred to a hospital.

Will the ER treat children?

Yes. Ascension says the facility will treat both adults and children, and no appointment is needed.

How big will the building be?

The site plan before the Planning Commission is for a one-story, 10,574-square-foot building on 2.05 acres.

When does the Planning Commission vote on it?

The site plan (SP26-0092) is on the Murfreesboro Planning Commission agenda for Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. at City Hall. Staff recommend approval subject to all staff comments.

Sources: Ascension: Bringing 24/7 Emergency Care Closer to Home in East Rutherford County, City of Murfreesboro: Planning Commission agenda and staff reports, Oct. 21, 2026.

*Rendering courtesy of Ascension Saint Thomas.*