How would you like to see the downtown square block used where First United Methodist Church once stood? A special workshop to gather ideas is set for the Murfreesboro City Council Chambers at 111 W. Vine Street from 5:00 to 6:30 on Thursday evening, April 7, 2016.

City Manager Rob Lyons told NewsRadio WGNS that the final papers were signed Monday, March 28th, for the $1.55-million cash purchase of the property. It includes the well known church and bell tower that survived the 1912 tornado.

Assistant City Manager Jennifer Moody explained, "The April 7th meeting will be a special workshop for the purpose of developing goals and objectives for the 1.87-acres of property that was just acquired by the city. The property, located at East College and Church Street, was purchased from Franklin Synergy Bank in February and just finalized."

The cash purchase of the property allows the bank to lease space in its former headquarters building for a period of time. A lease agreement between the City of Murfreesboro and Franklin Synergy was approved by the City Council on March 24, 2016, so the bank can continue to operate at that location while their new bank is constructed in the Gateway.

City staff has meet with Nashville developers to gather ideas for development of the site which will be included in next week's workshop.