CityScape Executive Director Ferran Kefavuer said Cookeville’s planned purchase of the old Wilson Plant property is essential for the overall health of the downtown area.
The city wants to create more parking, green space, and potential retail space across the 5-plus acres. Kefauver said the city’s plan will create more economic opportunities and address an issue.
“Parking is typically the number one issue that people say could be fixed about our downtown, and so we were thrilled when we heard the council approved the purchase of this land because it is only going to increase tourism dollars,” Kefauver said. “It’s gonna increase all of our businesses thriving and growing, and we are thrilled about this purchase.”
Kefauver said she has constantly been asked what the plans were for the old Wilson plant property, as it sat vacant for several years. Kefauver said a resolution was needed.
“Last year, I guess at some point, the state, Main Street organization came down and visited us, and we had a meeting with a lot property owners, and business owners, city and county officials, and that property was talked about at lengths of just the need for it to be used to enhance our downtown,” Kefauver said.
Cookeville has seen recent development of major retail spaces outside of the downtown area, including Target and Home Depot. Kefauver said it’s great to see the city invest in the downtown area.
“We are growing as a whole with big box stores and chain stores, and retail, and that type of thing, but at the heart of it we are supporting our mom and pop stores, and our local business, and the people here who want to stay here and live here and grow a family here,” Kefauver said. “So I think it’s important to have both, and I think Cookeville as a whole has done a really good job of finding that balance.”
Kefauver said the development of property along with other projects along Cedar Avenue will make the downtown area easier for walking and biking. Kefauver said the downtown improvements will enhance the vibrancy and vitality of Cookeville.
