Inside plans to create new Mt. Juliet downtown. What's offered as city weighs partnership

Mt. Juliet commissioners have taken a step toward approving a plan for a city block development that incorporates commercial space for restaurants and retail along with 245 residential units and a new city hall.

The Downtown Mt. Juliet City Block plan — which is still subject to change — has evolved with seven buildings on more than eight acres. It's proposed on the east side of North Mt. Juliet Road near East Hill and East Caldwell streets. The current proposal includes:

Building 1: Three stories for grocery store, retail and office space equaling 32,000 square feet.

Building 2: Two stories for retail and restaurant space at 6,500 square feet.

Building 3: Three-story commercial building at 28,000 square feet.

Building 4: Four stories for a new city hall, proposed at 20,000 square feet.

Building 5: Four stories and a basement for 245 residential units and commercial space.

Building 6: Two stories for a 208-space parking garage for multifamily residents. The upper tier will be at street level with parking also underneath.

Building 7: One story for retail and restaurant space at 4,500 square feet.

There have also been discussions about a new fire station at an undetermined location, a city need that "will have to be addressed," City Commissioner Scott Hefner said.

The approval process

The Mt. Juliet Planning Commission has given the plan a positive recommendation, but two passing votes by the Mt. Juliet City Commission are ultimately needed for approval.

City Commissioner Ray Justice described the concept as a "huge opportunity for Mt. Juliet to establish a downtown area that’s more innovative and walkable and not a lot at taxpayers’ expense,” adding there’s also “a lot to be hashed out.”

Several other city buildings in the immediate area of East Hill, along with the current city hall, would be taken down for the development in phases, Hefner said.

If approved, Hefner said work would be completed in phases so city hall can be used until the new city hall is ready.

Lineberry Developments and Imagine1 Company are working with Mt. Juliet officials on the preliminary plan. Lineberry Developments owns roughly five acres of the property and the city around three acres, Mark Lineberry said.

Greenbrier's success

Greenbrier transformed its downtown area over the past several years with Brandon Frank Construction repurposing and restoring several buildings with added lighting and sidewalks that have “brought to life the middle of town,” Mayor Lanny Adcock said.

The location has hosted several events. Greenbrier has seen additional business open in other parts of town, Adcock said.

Lebanon has also revitalized its town square in recent years.

Mt. Juliet starts police headquarters

Mt. Juliet Police scheduled a groundbreaking event to build a new headquarters on Sept. 1 that will incorporate land the city owns for its current station and adjacent property recently purchased on Charlie Daniels Parkway.

The new facility will house an advanced police, fire, and EMS communications center and an emergency coordination center. The headquarters will have a community storm shelter, enhanced vehicular and ballistic protection, more room for evidence storage, and an evidence processing laboratory. Modern K9 kennels, a vehicle processing garage, and larger training rooms will also be part of the headquarters.

Hopes are to finish the new headquarters in 16-20 months with weather a variable, said Mt. Juliet Police Department Capt. Tyler Chandler.

The land includes about five acres used for the current station and approximately 1.5 acres of property the city added.

The city also announced that Michael Mullins will take over as the Mt. Juliet Police Department's new chief effective Dec. 15. Mullins will replace current chief James Hambrick, who has previously announced his pending retirement. Chandler will become the deputy chief of police.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: If approved this plan will transform Mt. Juliet's downtown