As you recall, on February 11, 2016 the Murfreesboro City Council authorized the purchase of the old First United Methodist Church. It occupied square block in the downtown business district. This 1.87-acre tract of land was purchased by the city from Franklin Synergy Bank for $1.55-million.

City officials wanted to make certain that parts of our local history would be preserved instead of razed for a new complex. However, as of now, only one developer has submitted plans. City officials will meet in the Murfreesboro City Council Chambers at 10:00 o'clock this coming Wednesday (3/8/2017) morning to consider extending the bid period through April 3rd.

The city is increasing the size of the downtown footprint from where the new $73-million Judicial Building is being constructed, all the way to the area between the Discovery Center and Cannonsburgh where the "Historic Bottoms" development is proposed.

In that area, the city is opening Town Creek that was put underground in the 1950's. As a result, the waterway flows under buildings and roads through culverts between the Murfree Spring Wetlands and where it see sunlight again on Front Street at Cannonsburgh.

The city is in the beginning phase of that project that will create a nature trail from the boardwalk system to the Stones River Greenway at Cannonsburgh. Ultimately, the development of the Historic Bottoms would include restaurants, music venues, mixed multi-level retail-residential, and boutique hotels are being considered.

One resident described it as Murfreesboro's equivalent to the Gulch in Nashville.

All of those plans will almost double the size of the historic business district, and enhance the value of any development in this area.

NewsRadio WGNS will keep you informed on this on-going downtown development.