Main Street Murfreesboro is hosting a public town hall on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. at its office, 225 W. College St., about its effort to have the historic downtown business district designated a historic district in the National Register of Historic Places.
The meeting is open to the public and no RSVP is required. Main Street Murfreesboro says downtown property and business owners are especially encouraged to attend.
What will the Oct. 27 town hall cover?
According to Main Street Murfreesboro, the project consultant will:
- Explain the work Main Street Murfreesboro is doing on the nomination
- Outline the National Register nomination process
- Discuss what designation would mean for downtown businesses and properties
- Take questions about the proposed district
The organization says the meeting is meant to help owners and residents understand the application process and the role historic documentation and assessment play in evaluating whether downtown is eligible for National Register recognition.
Does National Register listing restrict what owners can do?
No. Main Street Murfreesboro's announcement lists what National Register listing does not do. It does not:
- Limit owners' rights to use, develop or sell their historic properties
- Require that properties be maintained, repaired or restored
- Require that properties be open to the public
- Automatically create local landmark designation or local historic district zoning
- Require review of local, state or privately funded projects that could affect historic properties
- Provide markers or plaques; owners may buy them if they wish
- Guarantee grants, or provide state or local tax benefits or low-interest loans
The announcement also notes that listing does not automatically stop federal projects that could affect historic resources, though it does speed up the federally required review of projects that involve federal funding or licensing.
What happens if downtown property owners object?
Main Street Murfreesboro states that properties are listed only if they meet the National Register criteria for significance and integrity and if the owner, or the majority of owners, agrees. A district is not listed if the majority of owners object.
What are the benefits of a National Register historic district?
Main Street Murfreesboro lists several. Listing identifies and documents significant buildings and districts, gives federal, state, local and private agencies information to use in planning, and makes owners eligible to apply for federal preservation grants when funds are available.
The largest benefit for commercial owners is the federal rehabilitation tax credit. The National Park Service explains that a 20% federal income tax credit is available for rehabilitating buildings that the Secretary of the Interior certifies as "certified historic structures." The building must be income-producing, such as one in business or commercial use, and the work is reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service against the Secretary's Standards for Rehabilitation. Owner-occupied homes do not qualify. Main Street Murfreesboro notes that property owners in commercial districts may be able to apply for the credit for projects on contributing properties.
Who to contact with questions
Main Street Murfreesboro can be reached at (615) 895-1887. For state-level questions about National Register listings, tax credits and preservation grants, the announcement points to the Tennessee Historical Commission, 2941 Lebanon Pike in Nashville, 615-532-1550.
Downtown Murfreesboro
The effort covers the historic downtown business district, the area OnlyInMurfreesboro profiles in its Murfreesboro Public Square guide. For background on the buildings and the city's past, see the Murfreesboro history guide. Another downtown preservation project is underway at One East College, where renovation of the 1888 sanctuary began this summer. Visitors heading downtown after the meeting can find dinner in the downtown Murfreesboro restaurants guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the downtown Murfreesboro historic district town hall?
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Main Street Murfreesboro's office, 225 W. College St.
Do I need to RSVP for the Main Street Murfreesboro town hall?
No. The meeting is open to the public and no RSVP is required.
Will National Register listing limit what I can do with my downtown building?
According to Main Street Murfreesboro, National Register listing does not limit owners' rights to use, develop or sell their properties, does not require maintenance or restoration, and does not create local historic zoning.
Can downtown property owners stop the historic district?
Main Street Murfreesboro says properties are listed only if the owner or the majority of owners agree to the listing.
What is the historic tax credit?
The National Park Service describes a 20% federal income tax credit for rehabilitating certified historic structures that are income-producing. The work must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, and owner-occupied homes do not qualify.
Sources: Main Street Murfreesboro: Main Street Murfreesboro to Host Town Hall on Proposed Downtown National Register Historic District, National Park Service: About the Historic Preservation Tax Incentives.
*Illustration: AI-generated image; not an actual Murfreesboro location.*