Cookeville will acquire right of way to begin roadway improvements around the new Willow Avenue shopping center.
Community Development Director Jon Ward said the city will acquire land from Willow Avenue Church of Christ along Greengate Lane. It is a total of 0.381 acres.
“In exchange for the right-of-way, the city would provide a new driveway for Willow Avenue Church of Christ that would connect to their existing parking lot,” Ward said. “The agreement stipulates the construction of the driveway must be completed before the Willows Commercial officially opens, which is currently projected for the fall of 2026.”
The improvements would also add sidewalks to the street. Cookeville Public Works will construct the new driveway for the church.
“Costs to construct the driveway have been evaluated by our Public Works Department, and we’ve reviewed those costs, and they’re consistent with right-away acquisitions we’ve had in current projects in the city,” Ward said.
The new Willow Shopping Complex will feature a Home Depot and Target at the corner of Willow Avenue and Interstate 40.
The city and county will pay for infrastructure upgrades around the center. Cookeville City Council approved the right-of-way acquisition Thursday night.
