If you've driven past the overgrown lot at the corner of Carothers Parkway and Moore's Lane lately and wondered what the hold-up was — wonder no more. The Williamson County Commission voted 8-2 Thursday to greenlight a $280 million mixed-use development that's been in the works for nearly three years.
The project, led by Nashville-based Elmwood Group, will bring 400 apartment units, 60,000 square feet of retail space, and a 180-room hotel to the stretch just south of I-65. If the timeline holds, construction breaks ground in October and the first phase opens by late 2027.
Two commissioners voted against it, citing traffic concerns on an already-congested corridor. Those concerns aren't wrong — the intersection at Carothers and McEwen already backs up during morning rush. The developer has committed to a traffic study and signal upgrades, but details on timing are still vague.
What this means for you: If you commute through Cool Springs, expect construction delays on Carothers Parkway starting this fall — but long term, this adds serious retail and dining options to a part of Franklin that's been underserved for years.
Editorial Dashboard
Editorial Dashboard
Review today's AI-generated articles before they go live. 3 articles pending your approval.
That Empty Corner Near Cool Springs Is Finally Becoming Something Big
Edit article body
Beloved Murfreesboro Pizza Spot Is Opening a Second Location — And It's Closer Than You Think
Murfreesboro's favorite hole-in-the-wall pizza place is getting a second act. Rosario's on Thompson Lane — the cash-only spot that's had a cult following since 2011 — confirmed this week it's opening a second location in Smyrna, right off Sam Ridley Parkway near the new Publix.
Owner Marco Rosario told The 615 Times the new spot will be bigger, have a proper dining room, and yes — finally accept cards. The original Thompson Lane location isn't going anywhere though. It stays exactly as is, cash and all.
The Smyrna location is targeting a September opening. They're currently hiring kitchen staff and a manager — job listings are up on their Facebook page.
What this means for you: If you've been driving to Murfreesboro just for Rosario's, you're about to get a much shorter trip. And if you've never tried it, the Smyrna opening is your excuse.
Owner Marco Rosario told The 615 Times the new spot will be bigger, have a proper dining room, and yes — finally accept cards. The original Thompson Lane location isn't going anywhere though. It stays exactly as is, cash and all.
The Smyrna location is targeting a September opening. They're currently hiring kitchen staff and a manager — job listings are up on their Facebook page.
What this means for you: If you've been driving to Murfreesboro just for Rosario's, you're about to get a much shorter trip. And if you've never tried it, the Smyrna opening is your excuse.
Edit article body
Medical Center Parkway Construction: Here's What's Actually Happening and When It Ends
If you've been white-knuckling it through the Medical Center Parkway construction zone for the past eight months wondering if it will ever end — we have answers. TDOT confirmed this week the project is 70% complete and on track to wrap by mid-November.
The work is a full road widening — adding a continuous center turn lane and two new traffic signals between Broad Street and the hospital entrance. When it's done, the stretch goes from two lanes to four at peak points, which should significantly cut the morning backup near Saint Thomas Rutherford.
The next phase — resurfacing between Thompson Lane and Broad — starts in three weeks and will require alternating one-lane traffic for about six weeks. Plan for 10-15 extra minutes during morning and evening rush.
What this means for you: The pain on Medical Center Parkway is temporary and almost over. But the next six weeks are going to be the worst stretch yet before it gets better.
The work is a full road widening — adding a continuous center turn lane and two new traffic signals between Broad Street and the hospital entrance. When it's done, the stretch goes from two lanes to four at peak points, which should significantly cut the morning backup near Saint Thomas Rutherford.
The next phase — resurfacing between Thompson Lane and Broad — starts in three weeks and will require alternating one-lane traffic for about six weeks. Plan for 10-15 extra minutes during morning and evening rush.
What this means for you: The pain on Medical Center Parkway is temporary and almost over. But the next six weeks are going to be the worst stretch yet before it gets better.
Edit article body