Here we grow again! NewsRadio WGNS spoke with Sharon Qualls in the Murfreesboro Building and Codes Department, and she gave an update on several construction projects around the Heart of Tennessee.

HONDA OF MURFREESBORO

Honda of Murfreesboro is building a massive new sales and service facility at 929 John R. Rice Boulevard. This complex is well underway. It is across the street from Murfreesboro Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, and will be the third new car dealership in that immediate area.

BIG LOTS

Big Lots is moving to a part of the former K-Mart location. We say part, because the retailer will not use the entire space. Big Lots is currently at 1260 NW Broad, and will move to 1266. That's the same shopping center, but a different location. The space being renovated is around 35-thousand square feet.

The remaining space that was formerly K-Mart is also being renovated into what Building and Codes calls "light box structure". Basically, that is a well-lit box space suitable for a variety of businesses.

CHAMPY'S CHICKEN

The Chattanooga based Champy's Chicken franchise has received one of the preliminary permits for the former Hooter's location at 1310 NW Broad Street. A brother and sister reportedly are the franchise holders. Their plan have not been submitted to board for review at this time.

THE VINTAGE

The Vintage is a massive luxury apartment community being built in the Gateway area, and in front of the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. Developers say that amenities like those is upscale custom-built homes will be included: granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, pendant lighting, and ceramic tile bath floors. It will include a resort style pool, 24/7 fitness center and rooftop deck.

THE VILLAGES OF MURFREESBORO

The Villages of Murfreesboro is a senior living complex that is almost completed at 2550 Willowoak Trail, near the Avenue of Murfreesboro. This is an independent living apartment community offering independent living month-to-month rental of single or multi-bedroom units. Three meals per day are included. The facility also contains putting green, exercise area, hair care, 18-unit memory care and more. Move-in date is scheduled for July.

STORAGE FACILITY

A new self-storage complex is being constructed on John R. Rice Boulevard adjacent to the new Texas Roadhouse, and across the street from Sam's Club. The foundation is set and the remaining structure can be put in place fairly quickly.

BRIDGE OVER BROAD

This massive structure will connect Memorial Boulevard and the Old Fort Parkway, and the heavy traffic on that thoroughfare will not have to stop at the busy Broad Street intersection, one the highest traffic count in the state. This is forecast to be complete by this December.

MURFREESBORO POLICE HEADQUARTERS

The Murfreesboro Police Department is in the process of constructing a 125,000 square foot facility at 1004 N. Highland Avenue. The $42.2-million project is the largest capital improvement currently on the city's budget. The renovation represents approximately 47 per cent of the city's capital improvement list. Police hope to move into the complex late this year or early 2018.

HISTORIC BOTTOMS

The old headquarters on South Church Street will be torn-down. The site is in the massive Historic Bottoms Project that will greatly expand the downtown business district. Restaurants with music venues, boutique hotel, multi-level buildings will retail on the lower floors and residences on upper floor are being planned.

The first part of the Historic Bottoms Project will begin this summer (2017) with the daylighting of Town Creek, coming from the Murfree Spring Wetlands, across the old KFC property, crossing South Church Street and going down Hickerson Drive to Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village.

Another part of the downtown renovation and expansion is tied to the square block of land that once housed First United Methodist Church. Most recently, it was the headquarters for a bank. However, the original Mid South Bank was purchased by Franklin Synergy Bank and they are moving this office to a location on Medical Center Parkway.

On February 11, 2016, the City of Murfreesboro purchased the property for $1.55-million cash to assure that some of its history could be preserved. They are seeking ideas from developers.