Project History

  • Leadership of the City of Smyrna and the Smyrna First Baptist Church began discussing a possible sale of the nine-acre church campus.

  • The City and Smyrna First Baptist Church reached an agreement where the City, through its Downtown Development Authority, to purchase the existing church campus located on Church Street and the church would purchase property owned by the Development Authority located at 3030, 3040 and 3050 Atlanta Road and relocate.

  • Mayor Derek Norton announced the appointment of the Church Redevelopment Advisory Committee, hosting a first meeting on May 2, 2024. The goal of the committee is to assist in the procurement process for choosing a Master Plan firm; encourage public engagement throughout the process; and ensure Master Plan is reflective of public input and market analysis.

  • The City requested proposals for an update and expansion to the Smyrna B.O.L.D. Downtown Master Plan. Fifteen (15) proposals were received on Friday, July 12, 2024, and evaluated by City Staff from Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Public Works, Community Relations and selected Smyrna residents. The team selected five (5) firms for presentation/interviews.

  • The real estate transaction closes in the City’s purchase of the 9-acre campus. The Smyrna First Baptist Church is continuing to lease the existing church campus from the City for two years while they are constructing their new home. As part of this agreement, the City has agreed to maintain the 1924 stone chapel for public use.

  • MKSK is awarded the contract for this planning process, which was approved by Council at the January 6, 2025, meeting of Mayor and Council.

  • The Smyrna Downtown Redevelopment Project officially launches.