Developer breaks ground on Town Center Medical Plaza

August 8, 2011 - A two year quest to create a "true center of town" in Mt. Juliet was realized for a local businessman when ground was broken on a project called Town Center Medical Plaza located on the long-vacated, former Mt. Juliet Elementary School site Monday afternoon.

Seth McDowell bought the 12-acre plot of land and plans to create an urban mixed used development there. The project as a whole is called the Mt. Juliet Town Center, and Monday's official groundbreaking launches a medical facility that boasts 41,000 square feet with the entire top floor dedicated to Children's Clinic East. Pediatric dentist Dr. Kirk Larson also has plans to move into the building. 

"I drove by the site while taking my kids to school for years, and the good Lord put it on my heart to do something with it that was good for the community," said McDowell, who lives in West Wilson and is married to Misty and has four children ages 1 year to 9.

McDowell and his partner own Agilitas and he has created many developments in his career. However, McDowell said Mt. Juliet Town Center is near and dear to his heart because it is in the community he loves. Town Center Medical Plaza is projected to be complete and operational by early summer 2012, said McDowell. 

"There will be medical components, with business and retail,” he explained.

"We hope to create a family friendly lifestyle here and utilize the element of the commuter rail that is just across the street." 

When fully developed, it's predicted to see well over a 1,000 people per day, according to project officials. The general contractor for the plaza is Tom Pappas and the architect is Gregory P. Hayden. Both were in attendance at the groundbreaking, as well as Mt. Juliet Mayor Ed Hagerty and city commissioners Ted Floyd and James Maness. Numerous other city officials also were there to see the launch of the project that will transform a piece of property that has be vacant for at least eight years. 

Dr. James Anderson is with Children's Clinic East. They currently have a site in Hermitage and one in the Town Center office complex in Mt. Juliet. They will continue to have their site in Hermitage and this new building will double their services in Mt. Juliet.

"We've been here 10 years already," he said Monday. "I know the Mt. Juliet and Lebanon communities are very important to our clinic. We appreciate all the support the community has given us already. We see this site as a very important long term commitment."

Anderson added that Children's Clinic East has been in the Donelson/Hermitage community for 60 years. 

"And we will continue to have our Hermitage site next to Summit Medical Center," he said. "These two sites are important in the community."

Anderson noted that another great thing about the medical plaza locating at this site was the fact that the property had served children with an elementary school. He noted it's come full circle serving children's medical needs now. 

At least four of the doctors who will provide services at the clinic are from Lebanon and Mt. Juliet, he said. Dr. Kimbel Shepherd is also is part of Children's Clinic East. He said this new facility in Mt. Juliet was a perfect fit.

"It was a great opportunity," he said. "We looked around and saw this was a great area for families. We are excited. Mt. Juliet is perfect for us."

Anderson said the founders of Children's Clinic helped guide the original decision to expand into Wilson County. They are Dr. Beazley, Dr. Wadlington, Dr. Doak and Dr. Gray. 

Houston's Meat and Produce catered the event, and McDowell said Wilson Bank & Trust is providing the financing for the project. Local civil engineer Rob Porter is also part of the project.

"We are all about keeping it in the community," said McDowell. "I am excited. This is a long time coming."

Managing Editor Laurie Everett can be reached at 754-6397 or by email at mtjulietnews@tds.net