Construction Begins on Columbia's Downtown Improvement Initiative

Issue #132

28 Jun

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 91

🚧 Construction Begins on Columbia's Downtown Improvement Initiative

📰 Experience Spring Hill Drew the Crowds on Saturday

🎸 Muletown Songwriters Night

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, June 28th

Saturday, June 29th

Sunday, June 30th

Monday, July 1st

Tuesday, July 2nd

Wednesday, July 3rd

Thursday, July 4th 🇺🇸

For a more detailed list of July 3rd and 4th events go here.

Friday, July 5th

Construction Begins on Columbia's Downtown Improvement Initiative

Credit: City of Columbia, TN - Government Facebook Page

In case you happen to see a few extra construction teams in downtown Columbia, it's because the city has begun its latest project to enhance the Columbia square.

The Columbia Infrastructure and Greenspace Improvement Project was made possible via a $50,000 national GM on Main Street Program Grant. It was also accomplished through the city's partnership with Columbia Main Street. who were one of only five nonprofit organizations and municipal government entities to receive the grant.

Columbia City Council previously voted to accept the grant in March.

Construction for the project began Tuesday and is expected to be completed over "the next several months," according to a City of Columbia press release.

"Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is paramount," City Manager Tony Massey said. "The Columbia Infrastructure and Greenspace Improvement Project underscores our commitment to enhancing downtown's vitality while prioritizing pedestrian safety.”

The project's details include several significant improvements to the downtown district, such as curb extensions at three of the four intersections, as well as increased green space. The curb extensions will serve as an innovative traffic calming measure aimed to increase pedestrian safety by reducing crossing distances and slowing downtown motorists.

"Basically, we are designing the curb out into the white-striped no parking area," Columbia Tourism and Marketing Director Kellye Murphy said in March. "It extends the view for the pedestrians trying to cross the street. They will be able to go further out into that area, and it's traffic calming for the cars that are coming through the square as well."

There will also be two information kiosks to provide visitors with details about local businesses, restaurants and attractions. Increased green space will also offer more areas to gather and relax.

“We are excited to begin this project that has been in our imaginations for quite some time, with many city departments being involved in brainstorming, design, and the construction and implementation. The improvements will provide increased safety and beautification to match more recent improvements downtown.”

Press Release

Experience Spring Hill Drew the Crowds on Saturday

An open house aimed at boosting the economy of Spring Hill and its surrounding areas attracted hundreds of visitors to Summit High School on Saturday, despite the heat reaching nearly 100 degrees.

The Experience Spring Hill event, featuring close to 150 local businesses and organizations, including dance studios, apartment complexes, and funeral homes, offered information and giveaways. This event, now in its 17th year and seventh year under its current name, was organized by TriStar Spring Hill and the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce.

According to Rebecca Melton, the chamber’s executive director, last year’s event saw around 3,500 attendees. The purpose of the event is to highlight Spring Hill's offerings and support local businesses, which play a significant role in aiding schools and the broader community.

Numerous hospitals and health facilities such as Williamson Health, Maury Regional Health, and Vanderbilt Health were well-represented. Tourism departments like Visit Franklin and Experience Maury handed out brochures promoting attractions in Maury and Williamson Counties.

Representatives from the city’s police, fire, and utility departments were on hand to provide information about Spring Hill. Children enjoyed activities like a scavenger hunt, face painting, and interacting with volunteers dressed as characters from "Star Wars" and Disney movies.

Local eateries, including Rock N Roll Sushi, Aha Indian Grill, and Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery, provided lunch for the attendees.

One standout attraction was Goliath, an 8-year-old miniature horse from Freedom Reigns Ranch in Columbia. The ranch, which rescues and rehabilitates horses, offers free therapy sessions for children. Carissa Ramsdell, founder and executive director of Freedom Reigns, mentioned that Goliath has delighted Experience Spring Hill attendees for the past three years.

If you haven’t experienced this event yet, you’ll want to put it on your calendar for next year!

Muletown Songwriters Night

Bring your family and gather your friends for a great way to start the weekend with first fridays! This is the second Muletown Songwriters Night with hopes of turning this into a monthly event.

Friday, July 5th
5-8 PM
Free Admission
101 N. James Campbell Blvd, Columbia

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Friday, June 28th

Alyssa Hart, Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Grace West Band, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Broke By Monday, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, June 29th

Music on the Porch Series, 510 N Main St, Mt. Pleasant, TN, 7-9 PM
Tim Turner Band, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The John Eason Band, The Tilted Mule, 7 PM
LynnMarie & E3, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Scotty Morton Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, June 30th

Nettie & the Delta Boy, The Tilted Mule. 3 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
The Reveal Acoustic, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 5-8 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk

TedsWoodworking Plans and Projects