Metro Breaks Ground, Unveils Plans for new Police Headquarters

NASHVILLE, TN — At a ceremonially groundbreaking at a former Murfreesboro Pike car dealership, Metro officials unveiled renderings for the city's new police headquarters and family justice center.

Joined by Chief Steve Anderson and other Metro officials, Mayor Megan Barry turned a shovel of dirt to celebrate the start of construction on the new Metro Nashville Police Administrative Headquarters and Family Justice Center at the former home of Capitol Chevrolet at 600 Murfreesboro Pike.

“Each of these buildings will provide essential services to help keep our community safe and ensure that victims get the help and resources they deserve,” Barry said. “These facilities will be pedestrian-friendly, designed to fit within NashvilleNext standards, and will help to revitalize this area in a way that we hope will promote jobs and make for a more livable neighborhood.”

The buildings, which were designed by Hastings Architecture Associates, will incorporate brick, concrete, glass, and wood materials into the facades.

"With today's groundbreaking, we have begun to establish the foundation that will support Nashville’s public safety for decades to come," Chief Steve Anderson said. "The new headquarters and Family Justice Center project will keep Nashville on the cutting edge of services to victims, and will serve as a reminder that we are very serious about protecting all of Nashville."

The $28 million, three-story, 61,000-square-foot administrative headquarters will house administrative and certain investigative functions of the department, as well as a data center.

“The new Family Justice Center, once completed, will be a critical resource for domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse victims needing a refuge on their path to becoming survivors,” said Diane Lance, Department Head for the Metro Office of Family Safety. “The design of the facility will help to create a welcoming atmosphere for those who are experiencing trauma in their lives, serving as a place of community for those who need our support.”

The $20 million Family Justice Center, which will be 44,000 square feet and two stories tall, will house Metro’s Office of Family Safety, police Domestic Violence Division counselors, Nashville Children's Alliance, and components of the District Attorney’s Office and Tennessee Department of Children Services.

Following the collapse of former Mayor Karl Dean's plans to put the police headquarters on Jefferson Street in north Nashville after significant community backlash, Metro found a much warmer reception in south Nashville, and the Metro Council approved the funds for the headquarters in the 2015-16 capital spending plan.

The facilities are set to open in the spring of 2018.