Last Friday (9/29/2017) a special historical marker was placed on the new Rutherford County parking garage built to accommodate the new Judicial Center. County Historian Greg Tucker noted this was to document the historical significance that piece of land has had on Murfreesboro.

Tucker noted that his marker is different from those that have created ccontroversy . . .

(Time: 22-seconds)

He explained how the idea came about . . .

(Time: 20-seconds)

The four-level parking garage is now open to the public, and there are no parking fees. The parking structure is part of the 73-million dollar Judicial building complex.

County Mayor Ernest Burgess tells NewsRadio WGNS that building is still on schedule for a May 1st, 2018 opening . . .

(Time: 9-seconds)

Opening Celebration Set May 14, 2018

In fact, Tucker said that a public grand opening date for the new Rutherford County Judicial Center has been set . . .

(Time: 23-seconds)

The new building is 215,000 square feet in size. Once complete it will hold 16 separate courtrooms, but in the beginning, all 16 will not be utilized. Reports indicate that 16 could be used in the future as our county continues to grow.

The new Judicial Center also keeps the general public completely separate from inmates who enter the building through a secure parking garage designed to allow police cars to enter and then close a garage door behind them. Judges will also be able to walk separate hallways to each courtroom away from people who may have been convicted in their courts in the past.

Steve Johnson with Gresham Smith and Partners was told in the beginning that security was a top concern for the new building. His expertise in the design is well stated as the building nears completion.

NewsRadio WGNS will keep you informed on the progress at the new Rutherford County Judicial Center, as well as finishing touches on the roadway, sidewalks and the new roundabout that will create a beautiful new entrance into Murfreesboro's historic business district. Again, the opening ceremony for the complex has been set for May 14, 2018.

Complete interview with Greg Tucker

Here is what County Historian Greg Tucker had to say about the total development of the Rutherford County Judicial Center, parking complex and grand opening date:

(Time: 4-minutes and 5-seconds)