Historic Maury County Courthouse Set for Major Renovation

Issue #608

November 10, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 51, low of 39

📰 Historic Maury County Courthouse Set for Major Renovation

📌 11/21: Movie Night to Benefit Kid’s Place

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

Historic Maury County Courthouse Set for Major Renovation

With the new Maury County Judicial Center now open and fully operational, county leaders are turning their attention back to the courthouse that started it all.

The historic Maury County Courthouse, a 1906 architectural gem that has stood at the center of downtown Columbia for more than a century, is about to begin a major transformation. Once filled with courtrooms and offices, the building now sits largely empty—but not for long.

Plans are in motion to restore and repurpose the courthouse into a dynamic civic space that will include a new Maury County Museum, the mayor’s office, a conference room, and the official meeting chamber for the County Commission.

District 2 Commissioner Eric Previti, who has championed the idea for years, said the goal is to bring the courthouse back to life while preserving its history and character. The first step will involve asbestos removal, followed by a full renovation expected to take about a year and a half.

In October, the Maury County Commission approved a $15.9 million design contract with Hewlett Spencer LLC to oversee the project’s planning and construction.

The highlight of the renovation will be the creation of the Maury County Museum on the courthouse’s first floor — the first museum of its kind in the county’s history. The museum will showcase exhibits, artifacts, and photographs that trace Maury County’s story, while the building itself will stand as one of the museum’s most impressive displays.

Architect J.E.R. Carpenter, who designed the courthouse, later achieved national fame for his luxury apartment designs in New York City. Locally, his legacy includes the Columbia Arsenal (now Columbia Academy) and Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel.

Renovations will also reopen the courthouse’s upper levels to reveal the grand domed ceiling that once greeted visitors upon entry, returning the structure to its original design. Modern updates will include ADA-accessible restrooms, improved infrastructure, and upgraded meeting facilities.

Once complete, the courthouse will again host County Commission meetings—returning the board to the same second-floor courtroom where county leaders gathered more than a century ago. The building will also provide space for the Grand Jury, Building and Zoning Department, and the District Attorney’s office.

Officials hope the project will not only preserve an iconic part of Columbia’s downtown but also create opportunities for new development nearby. By consolidating departments within the courthouse, the county could free up other spaces for private redevelopment and local business growth.

Anyone interested in owning a piece of courthouse history can even purchase surplus furniture and fixtures being sold through GovDeals.com. The more historically significant pieces, however, will remain on display once the museum opens to the public.

11/21: Movie Night to Benefit Kid’s Place

You’re invited to join the Maury Alliance Young Professionals for a Community Movie Night benefiting Kid’s Place: A Child Advocacy Center!

Date: November 21
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: The Well Church, Columbia, TN

Bring your family and friends for a heartwarming holiday showing of The Polar Express and enjoy delicious popcorn! 

Please bring a wishlist donation item to support local children in need! Financial donations will also be accepted. To see a list of items on the wishlist, click here.

Let’s kick off the season of giving together and make a meaningful difference in our community!

Kid’s Place is the Child Advocacy Center serving Maury, Giles, Lawrence, and Wayne counties. They provide hope, help, and healing for children who have experienced severe child abuse. By uniting professionals in law enforcement, child protection, medical care, mental health, and victim advocacy, Kid’s Place ensures children and their families receive comprehensive, trauma-informed care in one supportive location.

To learn more about Kid’s Place, visit https://www.kpcac.org/.

We hope to see you there for this special night of community and giving!

Upcoming Local Events

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

Tuesday, November 11th 🇺🇸 VETERANS DAY 🇺🇸

Wednesday, November 12th

Thursday, November 13th

Friday, November 14th

Saturday, November 15th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, November 13

Todd Ciprian – Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Scott Mulvahill – CSCC – Cherry Theater, 7 PM
Ryan Keeler – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, November 14

Jason Acy – Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6–8 PM
Kirwan the Band – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Troy Casstellanos – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Three of Hearts – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
End of the Line – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Escape – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, November 15

Beatles 4 Sale – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Fall Series – The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
The Stones River Reelers – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Laura Drake – The Boondox, 8 PM
Saved by the Music – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Benji & The Jets – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

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