Murfreesboro continues to lay its claim as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country after the announcement of a proposed makeover to a large section of its downtown. The development—named Project Keystone and proposed by Brentwood-based developer HRP Residential—was received with both cheers and jeers from many.
The project is slated to develop along Broad Street, spanning from Church Street to Vine Street. Murfreesboro Councilmember Shawn Wright said the proposed project is projected to be completed in the next 18 to 24 months if it breaks ground soon, with the zoning for the project already approved and contracts signed.
In a recent press release and several statements released to the public, HRP Residential has said they want to build upwards of 100 condominiums, 239 apartments, 40,000 feet of retail space, and a boutique hotel containing as many as 150 rooms.
In an effort to help with parking concerns, HRP representatives proposed the addition of 715 parking spaces over three parking garages and through ground-level parking, though whether this would be pay-to-use or free-to-use parking for citizens is unclear. HRP has also proposed additional turn lanes and pedestrian crossings to alleviate traffic.
An HRP promotional video for Project Keystone featured various Murfreesboro business leaders saying that the development will be a positive addition to an up-and-coming city such as Murfreesboro and that the project will help grow business in the downtown neighborhood.
Murfreesboro residents have offered up a variety of different opinions and reactions regarding Project Keystone, some being hopeful for additional business the project could hopefully bring to the merchants near the Murfreesboro Public Square, with others worried about rising costs and traffic.
“To be in the heart and the center of the downtown square, which is such a beautiful area . . . you knew that the city was likely gonna get behind projects that draw people to their downtown,” said Jason Day, the owner of local downtown Murfreesboro restaurant Joanie’s. “So, I was excited to have a spot here downtown and really grow with the city.”
Councilmember Shawn Wright was the only member of the city council to vote against the project. Wright said that Project Keystone could be a good thing for Murfreesboro if HRP representatives conceded to having more condominiums and fewer apartments, however, representatives maintained that the strict number of 239 apartments was necessary for the developers to turn a profit.
“I do not like the mix of apartments to condominiums; I do not think the city should be selling to an apartment developer,” Wright said. “I don’t think the average person in Murfreesboro wants any more apartments built.”
Wright said that though the would-be apartments will probably look nice and flashy for as many as five years after they’re built, he’s worried that they will look outdated and run down in 15 or 20 years. He said by then, the Keystone apartments would occupy a large area of the Murfreesboro downtown, while condos by comparison would most likely look far nicer as the years went on.
“Their main objective is to make money,” Wright said. “They don’t really care if Murfreesboro expands or not, they’re doing this to make money.”
Wright said that the average prices of the proposed condos have yet to be disclosed; however, while attending a summer meeting about the project he was told that the cost of rent for one-bedroom apartments would start somewhere in the $1,900—$2,100 range and go up from there, “not inexpensive,” Wright said.
Several citizens voicing their opinions online have been hopeful that the project will bring more opportunity to downtown Murfreesboro. One anonymous Reddit user commented on a thread related to Keystone that they believed building living spaces near many of the jobs available downtown could help reduce traffic congestion.
“[MTSU], all the lawyer offices, the courts and government offices, the numerous larger professional buildings and banks, heck, even the bars and restaurants in the area would have a few [employees]. If you expand to a 3-mile radius it’s an enormous number,” the local said, naming jobs that could benefit from the housing near downtown that the project would bring. “Adding housing in the sprawl area is how traffic ends up much much worse.”
With Project Keystone, downtown—or even university—employees “would be commuting zero to 2 miles versus 10 to 20.”
Others commented simply that they felt Murfreesboro doesn’t offer enough for those currently living here to be entertained regularly.
“This city is small, we need more people, this place is so boring,” another commenter said.
Some saw points behind both sides, commenting that the increase in people may bring in business for local businesses, regardless of added traffic concerns.
“More people living near the square are going to bring more businesses. I know it sucks for the traffic though,” said another user.
Councilmember Wright said though Project Keystone has yet to begin construction, development agreements have been signed. Citizens looking to stay up to date on projects and developments concerning Murfreesboro can do so by attending or viewing the city’s council meetings. Recordings of Murfreesboro’s city council meetings and other local information can be found at murfreesborotn.gov. For more on HRP and Project Keystone, visit hrpresidential.com.
