CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLE) – Austin Peay State University and the Montgomery County Mayor’s Office held a ceremony today for APSU’s signing of a 30-year lease on the upcoming Multi-Purpose Event Center.
The signing of the lease solidifies Austin Peay’s role as the MPEC’s primary tenant and represents an approximately $30 million partnership between the county and Austin Peay.
Breaking barriers between APSU and downtown
APSU Interim President Dannelle Whiteside called the project an important step in breaking down barriers between the community and APSU.
“Today, through this lease agreement, we are bringing Austin Peay directly into the local community and meeting the challenge of providing that superb athlete and fan experience. For the next 30 years, our men’s and women’s basketball teams will excel in this impressive new facility, bringing families and friends together like never before,” Whiteside said.
County Mayor Jim Durrett spoke to the relationship between APSU and Montgomery County, and the importance of investing in that relationship.
“During President Whiteside’s remarks, she spoke about four years ago when Austin Peay bought the Jenkins’ property and connecting more with the community,” Durrett said. “It always seemed to me like College Street was a wall between the university and the community. Four years ago, Austin Peay punched a hole in it. Today, we are about to knock that wall down.”
Construction continues to move forward on the new MPEC, with Second Street recently reopening following the relocation of pipes.
MORE: 6 things you need to know about the Multi-Purpose Event Center
