$46M Judicial Center Sparks Parking Debate and Public Backlash

Issue #336

26 Jan

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia’s Monday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 47 / low of 30

📰 $46M Judicial Center Sparks Parking Debate and Public Backlash

📰 Gaylord Opryland Announces $224M Expansion to Become Nation's Largest Non-Gaming Hotel

👉 Maury County Sheriff’s Department Scam Alert

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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Upcoming Local Events

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Monday, January 27th

Tuesday, January 28th

Wednesday, January 29th

Friday, January 31st

*More events coming soon!

$46M Judicial Center Sparks Parking Debate and Public Backlash

Parking shortages at the Maury County Judicial Center have sparked ongoing concerns about whether the $46 million facility was properly designed to meet the community's needs. With just 70 daily parking spaces available—excluding reserved and handicap spots—the demand is closer to 100, leaving county officials searching for solutions.

To address the shortfall, the Maury County Commission recently considered purchasing the adjacent property, Melody’s One Stop Shoppe bookstore, at 1113 S. Main St. Initially valued at nearly $1 million in 2024, the property was recently proposed for purchase at $600,000.

During a recent meeting, commissioners debated whether the acquisition would solve the parking issue or if alternative solutions should be pursued. The resolution to purchase the bookstore was ultimately rejected following lengthy discussions about past planning decisions and community opposition to the proposal.

Several residents expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing the funds could be better allocated to critical needs like law enforcement, fire services, or infrastructure improvements. City officials also raised concerns that the courthouse's downtown location, coupled with insufficient parking considerations, has contributed to the ongoing problem.

In addition to the bookstore proposal, other potential solutions were explored. One option included a 4.6-acre parcel on South Glade and Woodland Streets, currently housing the Maury County Teachers Center. However, the property presents challenges, including the existing foundation of the former Andrews School, and potential historical preservation issues due to a pre-Civil War rock wall on-site.

Despite these alternatives, no clear path forward emerged. A proposal to fund an independent appraisal of the bookstore property also failed, signaling diminishing support for that option. Ultimately, the resolution to purchase the bookstore garnered only one vote in favor, with 18 opposed and one abstention.

As the county seeks a viable solution to its parking dilemma, officials continue to face public scrutiny and the consequences of previous decisions.

Gaylord Opryland Announces $224M Expansion to Become Nation's Largest Non-Gaming Hotel

Photo: Ryman Hospitality Properties

Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has announced a $224 million expansion of its meeting and event spaces, with completion expected by 2027. Once finished, the upgrades will make Opryland the largest non-gaming hotel in the U.S. by exhibit and meeting space, according to its owner, Ryman Hospitality Properties.

The project began with a $17 million renovation of the Governor’s Ballroom and adjacent areas, set to be completed this month. Additional upgrades include a $36 million overhaul of the Presidential Ballroom, expected to finish by mid-2025, and a $40 million, 550-seat sports bar and outdoor venue, which will open later this year. The centerpiece of the expansion is over 100,000 square feet of new meeting space, scheduled for completion in spring 2027 at an estimated cost of $131 million.

When complete, Gaylord Opryland will offer more than 750,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space. This includes a 31,000-square-foot ballroom, 38,000 square feet of breakout space, and 39,000 square feet of adjoining group space.

The upgrades are part of a broader effort by Ryman Hospitality Properties to expand its hospitality portfolio. In addition to owning Nashville landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry, the company has ventured into collaborative entertainment spaces, including its recent restaurant project with Luke Combs, Category 10.

Nashville’s growing popularity as a destination for conventions and meetings underpins the expansion. The upcoming completion of the new Nissan Stadium on the East Bank, increased international flights, and the continued global appeal of country music are expected to drive demand for hotel and event space in the city.

Ryman officials see this investment as not only a commitment to enhancing Opryland’s offerings but also as confidence in Nashville’s future as a premier destination for events and tourism.

Maury County Sheriff’s Department Scam Alert

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Monday, January 27th

Jeffrey Joslin, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Tuesday, January 28th

Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, January 29th

Kayleigh Matthews, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
OPEN MIC NIGHT, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Thursday, January 30th

Kylie Brown, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, January 31st

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Grinder's Switch, 6-8 PM
Yonder Grove, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Deltaz, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Tennessee Stills, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, February 1st

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Boomerang, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Backlit, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, February 2nd

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Thomas Waves, The Rebel, 4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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