VOTE NOW
**PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CLOSED**
The public comment period is now closed. This will allow us the necessary time to review comments, gather supporters, and draft an official proposal. We have been asked by a county commissioner to bring this proposal to the next meeting on March 17th. You may still review the proposal below if you wish.
Review Proposal

Former Courthouse Proposal

Project Overview

This project creates a proposal to the Macon County Commission on a suggested use for the former Macon County Courthouse. This proposal will include the following: creation of the Macon County History Center (the former courthouse), and centralize historical organizations and county history assets, and offloading other buildings and using that money to renovate, maintain and upkeep the former courthouse. This proposal will also suggest the creation of a new Macon Museum to also be housed in the building. You can learn me about specifics below.

Project Timeline

Project Start: February 12, 2025

Estimated Completion: March 17, 2025

Proposal Key Points
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This proposal would create a new "Macon County History Center" which would be comprised of three agencies that would have space in the building including a new Macon County History Museum. 

This proposal will outline possible budget solutions such as: selling other buildings and using those funds to the renovation of the former courthouse; as well as selling engraved bricks along the pathways and putting that money in the HPF.

Create the "Macon County History Museum", a new museum. The museum would have an entrance fee to which those proceeds would go into funding operating expenses. The museum would also house a small gift shop for income.

Establish a new Macon County Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). Income for this fund would come from fundraising (such as selling engraved bricks, sponsoring benches at the former courthouse, etc.) and corporate sponsors. The HPF would be under the management of the Legislative Body and create a new "Historic Preservation Committee."

Seek registration of the former Macon County Courthouse on the National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places. This process would begin with an application and a review by the Tennessee Historical Commission. This designation would open up additional funding from the state and federal levels. 

PROJECT TRACKER
PHASE 1

STATUS: COMPLETED

PHASE 2

STATUS: COMPLETED

PHASE 3

STATUS: COMPLETED

PHASE 4

STATUS: NOT STARTED

Planning:

  • This phase completed during the February 3, 2025 meeting regarding the future use of the Building's Committee. Many of these ideas presented herein are from this meeting itself.

Rough Draft:

  • A rough draft has been worked and completed with all sections and all information needed.

  • The draft has been presented to community members for review and comment.

Final Draft:

  • A final draft has been created with an addition of a signature page of citizens who have signed on in support of the draft and project outline.

Submit and Present:

  • The proposal has been submitted to the office of Macon County Mayor Steve Jones to be added to the docket at a future Legislative Body Meeting to be discussed with the body.

Let your voice be heard! The future use of the former Macon County Courthouse is up for discussion! We have some thoughts and are creating a formal proposal to submit to the Macon County Commission in regards to this future use. Do you have ideas? Suggestions? We would love to hear them! Please use the form below or email admin@maconhistoryproject.org with your suggestions! We read them all!
Make a Project Suggestion

© 2025 | Macon County History Preservation Project