Project will be broken into four phases
Thursday evening, the Cookeville City Council approved, on second and last reading, a “professional service agreement” with ASA Engineering and Consulting Inc. (AEC). AEC will move forward with the master plan, site and civil design plans for 10 acres on 39 Depot Street in Cookeville, the empty lot previously owned by HCA Healthcare.
The city purchased the property for $3.2 million earlier this year.
HCA once told the UCBJ it had no plans for the property but was looking toward the future. That future is now, and HCA has given up any plans it may have had.
Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton said the purchase was a long time coming.
“I’m excited to share a big win for our historic downtown,” said the mayor at the time, in a social media post. “… We want to extend a sincere thank you to HCA for their partnership throughout this process, and for graciously allowing the public use of the lot over the last few years.”
The lot has been available for parking, and the city now plans to keep the lot open to downtown visitors during the planning phase of the upcoming parking lot and green space project.
The project will be broken into four phases, with the first being completed by Dec. 26. and the second, which includes a final master plan and could cost $230,000, to be completed by Feb. of next year.
Phase 3 is scheduled to begin in Jan. 2026 and completed in Oct. 2026.
“There is a lot that can happen, so don’t quote us on this,” said Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton. “But I think just the concept alone, as you can see, is going to be a huge enhancement to the WestSide.”
Phase 1 will cost approximately $200,000, according to City Manager James Mills.
Phase one “will involve significant data gathering, outreach, and public input,” said Mills. “…There will be public notices coming out inviting people to come and participate.”
Total cost for Phases 1 and 2 is $430,000, according to Mills. Phase four details are to be determined, but the city has discussed the area being a mixed-use commercial retail area.
“This is a very aggressive schedule,” said Mills.
Mills said there will also be a minimum of six public meetings (which will begin this month) involving:
- property owners in the downtown
- those with historic interests
- Tennessee Tech
- and the general public
“We are not dragging our feet on this one,” said Councilman Erik Walker. “It’s feet to the coals on this. So keep in touch with us and keep paying attention. We will have these public meetings.”
Walker said the city will communicate with the community.
“This is going to be a great project for our downtown, and I have heard nothing but good things about it. … I am really excited about this project,” said Walker.
The agreement was approved unanimously.
This is an ongoing story. Check back for details.
Photo via The City of Cookeville.
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