One East College: Historic Church Renovation Restarts Downtown Murfreesboro Project

Renovation of the 1888 First United Methodist sanctuary began this summer at One East College, the long-stalled downtown Murfreesboro block, with completion targeted for early 2027.

Work is finally visible at One East College, the downtown Murfreesboro redevelopment that sat idle for years. Renovation of the historic First United Methodist Church sanctuary at East College and North Church streets began around August 2026, and Mayor Shane McFarland announced the progress in a Sept. 9 radio update, according to WGNS.

Where Things Stand

• Site: a roughly 2.5-acre block at East College and North Church streets near the Public Square
• Church renovation: targeted for completion in early 2027
• Future of the sanctuary: the historic sanctuary and bell tower are being preserved for possible restaurant, entertainment or live-music use, per WGNS
• Mayor's requirement: McFarland had asked developers for a "tangible show of good faith"

How the Project Got Here

The city sold the block to One East College, LLC in 2019. Demolition began before the COVID-19 pandemic and the project stalled. The city issued a notice of default in January 2024 and revoked the project's tax-increment financing (TIF). WGNS reports renewed TIF support may be needed for a parking structure.

What Is Planned

The revised plan drops the 110-room hotel from the original concept. It now includes 40 condominiums, 167 multifamily units, commercial space and a structured parking garage.

Explore Downtown Murfreesboro

• Downtown restaurants and the Public Square guide
• The church's business listing
• Murfreesboro history and things to do downtown
• Related city growth stories: 55-foot lot width proposal and new business openings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One East College?

A mixed-use redevelopment on a 2.5-acre downtown Murfreesboro block bordered by College, Lytle, Spring and Church streets.

When will the church renovation finish?

Developers are targeting early 2027, per WGNS.

Is the hotel still planned?

No. The 110-room hotel from the 2019 concept was dropped from the revised plan.

What will the historic sanctuary become?

The sanctuary and bell tower are being preserved for possible restaurant, entertainment or live-music use. No tenant has been announced.

Sources: WGNS Radio, Rutherford Source.

*Image is an AI-generated illustration, not a photo of the actual sanctuary.*