CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Commission is considering buying the property on Legion Street in downtown Clarksville, known as the Bank of American Building, as a site for a proposed Civic Plaza. Part of the plan would also include purchase of the Regions Bank parking lot and Better Business Bureau building.
Many commissioners said Monday they are in favor of a Civic Plaza with some commissioners sharing concern that they would like to see a plan for a Civic Center in place before the property is purchased. Most agreed that the Civic Plaza project would greatly add to the revitalization of the area and bring more business and people downtown.
The estimated price to purchase the property, for demolition, site, and design work as well as construction of a Civic Plaza is $3.5 million. Another possibility is a partnership with the City of Clarksville who is also considering purchasing the property which is expected to be taken up by the City Council this week.
Austin Peay President Alisa White was one of those addressing the commission Monday echoing support for a downtown Civic Plaza. “We need a very vibrant civic square that will attract people to live downtown. My hope is that the civic square will become a reality,” White said.