Downtown Murfreesboro is on the brink of a historic milestone. Main Street Murfreesboro, the nonprofit that has spent four decades preserving the city’s core, is working to have the downtown square listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation would formally recognize the square’s century‑long heritage and unlock financial tools for property owners.
Why the designation matters
“Main Street Murfreesboro is all about preservation and enhancing the historic downtown,” said Sarah Callender, executive director of the organization. Callender explained that a National Register listing would shine a spotlight on the work generations of Murfreesboro residents have done to maintain the area’s character.
Beyond the prestige, the designation opens doors to concrete benefits. Property owners could apply for federal tax credits and state grants administered through the Main Street program to fund façade restorations, structural upgrades, and other enhancement projects. Those incentives are designed to keep historic buildings functional and attractive while preserving their original charm.
Local experts weigh in
Keaton Pettit, an architect with Johnson & Bailey Architects located just off the square, called the effort “another investment in downtown’s future.” His firm recently uncovered a building behind their office that dates to 1810, making it the oldest surviving structure in Middle Tennessee. “It’s really neat to be a part of historic downtown,” Pettit said, noting how the discovery underscores the square’s deep roots.
Community involvement
Callender emphasized that the push for historic status is as much about community identity as it is about economics. “Whether you’re shopping, eating, attending a free concert, or looking at the murals, we want this to feel like your home,” she said. To gather input, Main Street Murfreesboro will hold a public town‑hall meeting on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at its office, 225 West College Street. Property owners, business leaders and residents are invited to learn more about the proposed historic district and ask questions.
Next steps
The organization expects to receive a decision from the State Historic Preservation Office next year, determining whether the downtown square meets the criteria for National Register listing. If approved, Murfreesboro could join a growing list of Tennessee communities that have leveraged historic designation to revitalize their main streets while preserving the stories embedded in brick and mortar.
For anyone interested in attending the town hall or learning more about the application process, Main Street Murfreesboro’s website provides additional details and contact information.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
