CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Montgomery County Commission voted Monday night to approve the purchase of property on Third Street and Hiter Street for $6.8 million to expand the downtown Courts Center.
The property located at 121 Third Street is currently home to Batson Nolan law offices, and the property on Hiter Street is a parking lot, intended to support the Third Street location.
The Commission voted unanimously to approve and fund the purchase. Absent from the meeting were Commissioners Charles Keene (2), Randy Albert (6), Tangi Smith (8) and Robert Sigler (18).
More courts needed
The reason for the purchase is to make room for two new court spaces in the Doug Weiland Court Center by moving supporting departments across the street.
Nick Powell, Montgomery County’s chief engineer, previously told Clarksville Now that the Third Street building will be able to be used as is with only some small internal renovations.
“These departments that are being relocated serve a vital support role to the function of the courts, and a short walk to the existing Courts Center is a key reason in pursuing this building purchase,” Powell told Clarksville Now. “The opportunity to have a location so close to the courtrooms is an opportunity we cannot pass up. It creates easier accessibility for our staff who need to be in court support services.”
The purchase agreement and its adjoining funding resolution require only one reading to pass. Closing on the deal is expected to occur before the end of the year, according to the agreement included in the Commission’s November agenda.
After the purchase, Batson Nolan will continue to occupy 121 Third Street for up to 18 months, during which time rent will be waived. The agreement says that this is to give Batson Nolan time to find new office space while the county plans their transition.