(MURFREESBORO)  Razing of the old First Methodist Church building in downtown Murfreesboro is almost complete. That means that construction of One East College, LLC mixed-use development will soon begin.

It will be constructed on 2.42 acres along East College Street, North Spring Street, East Lytle Street and North College Street.

Reliable sources indicate that the retail and residential spaces have sold well, but financing for hospitality projects has dried-up with the pandemic. City council approved the developer's request to create one bedroom studio units that could later be converted into a boutique hotel, if the need stills exists.

The sanctuary and bell tower will be the only remaining parts of the original 1888 structure. Plans call for creating a restaurant and event venue in the sanctuary.

Since the property originally included a public city parking lot, the new facility will also include multi-level public parking.

All three phases of the demolition phase are nearing completion. 

Construction of the mixed-use development is not expected to begin until the first half of 2022, following construction plan development and approval.

As you recall, First United Methodist Church sold the downtown facility when they decided to construct a massive new worship center on West Thompson Lane, across from the Tennessee Miller Coliseum.

That congregation celebrated its two-hundredth anniversary last year, but due to coronavirus quarantines, the celebration was delayed until this year. A part of the festivities will include moving two cornerstones to the congregation’s new church. They were placed in 1910 and 1955. The latter one also included a history filled time capsule.

NewsRadio WGNS will keep you updated on the progress of One East College, LLC.