New Downtown Development Project Breaks Ground
City officials and local developers celebrated the groundbreaking of a major mixed-use development that will bring new retail spaces, apartments, and office buildings to downtown Murfreesboro.
City officials and local developers celebrated the groundbreaking of a major mixed-use development that will bring new retail spaces, apartments, and office buildings to downtown Murfreesboro. The $45 million project, located at the corner of Main Street and Broad Street, represents the largest private investment in the downtown area in over a decade.
The development will feature 120 luxury apartments, 25,000 square feet of retail space, and 15,000 square feet of Class A office space. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025, with the first tenants moving in by early 2026.
"This project represents our commitment to revitalizing downtown Murfreesboro while preserving the historic character that makes our city special," said Mayor Shane McFarland during the groundbreaking ceremony. "We're creating new opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors while maintaining the small-town charm that defines Murfreesboro."
The development will include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with modern amenities, including a fitness center, rooftop terrace, and community garden. Ground-floor retail spaces are being designed to accommodate restaurants, boutique shops, and professional services.
Local architecture firm Henderson & Associates designed the building to complement the historic downtown aesthetic while incorporating modern sustainability features. The project has received LEED Silver certification and will include electric vehicle charging stations and energy-efficient building systems.
"We're excited to be part of Murfreesboro's growth story," said project developer Jennifer Thompson of Rutherford Development Group. "This project will create jobs, increase tax revenue, and provide much-needed housing options for young professionals and empty nesters who want to live in the heart of the city."
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
The city has worked closely with developers to ensure adequate parking and traffic flow. A new public parking garage with 200 spaces will be constructed adjacent to the development, funded through a public-private partnership.
Construction will be managed by local contractor Murphy & Associates, with an emphasis on hiring local workers and subcontractors. The project is expected to create 200 construction jobs and 50 permanent positions once completed.
The development represents a significant investment in Murfreesboro's future, with projected annual tax revenue of $800,000 once fully occupied. This revenue will support city services and infrastructure improvements throughout the community.
Sustainability and Design Features
The building incorporates several sustainable design elements, including:
- Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout
- High-performance windows to reduce heating and cooling costs
- Rooftop solar panels to offset common area electricity usage
- Electric vehicle charging stations in the parking garage
- Native landscaping requiring minimal irrigation
- Bike storage and maintenance facilities
These features align with Murfreesboro's commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing the city's carbon footprint. The development is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly commercial projects in the region.
Timeline and Next Steps
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2025, with completion expected by December 2026. The phased opening will start with retail spaces in early 2026, followed by office spaces and residential units.
Pre-leasing for apartments will begin in September 2025, with move-ins starting in January 2026. Retail and office space leasing is currently underway, with several local businesses already expressing interest in relocating to the new development.
The project represents a significant milestone in Murfreesboro's ongoing downtown revitalization efforts and sets the stage for additional private investment in the area. City officials are optimistic that this development will catalyze further growth and attract new businesses and residents to the downtown core.
"This is just the beginning," said Economic Development Director Patricia Johnson. "We're seeing unprecedented interest from developers and businesses who want to be part of Murfreesboro's growth story. This project will serve as a catalyst for even more investment in our downtown area."
Sarah Johnson - Local news reporter covering Murfreesboro community developments. Sarah has been reporting on city planning and development issues for over 8 years.