A New Era for Mt. Juliet
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — When construction began more than 20 years ago, Mt. Juliet’s Providence Marketplace was hailed as the largest open-air retail center between Nashville and Knoxville. Over two decades later, city leaders believe the development has significantly transformed the city.
Providence Marketplace marked a new era for the city, introducing restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Architect Scott Hinson, an AIA Commercial Practice Leader at McMillan Pazdan Smith, witnessed the project in the mid-2000s.
“It’s great to see things still continue to thrive all this time later,” Hinson said. “I really enjoy the aspect of seeing projects come to life.”
The Vision Behind the Development
The vision for Providence Marketplace centered on “new urbanism” — a concept that blends retail, housing, schools, and medical services in a pedestrian-friendly setting.
“There was a lot of what we call place-making,” Hinson explained. “We really wanted to make sure that we had the opportunity to create some spaces for folks to gather.”
Once work began transforming the rural landscape off Interstate 40 and South Mt. Juliet Road into a shopping destination, Hinson noted there were challenges along the way.
“A lot of rock out there,” Hinson said. “We must have blasted over a million cubic yards of rock during the site development and construction aspect of the project.”
As news spread about the large-scale development, prominent retailers wanted to be part of it.
“When Target joined the lineup, then we knew we had something pretty special at that point,” Hinson said.
A Major Catalyst for Growth
Mt. Juliet City Commissioner Scott Hefner highlighted Target’s role as a major draw for the area.
“Target was a big catalyst,” Hefner said. “It acted as a main anchor.”
Providence Marketplace is located in Hefner’s district. He mentioned that over the years, both major retailers and a new city ordinance helped fuel the marketplace’s growth.
“I would say that the catalyst for Mt. Juliet was when the referendum was passed, liquor by the drink, which really drew a lot of restaurants into Providence,” Hefner said. “I would say it was a catalyst for the continued growth.”
Room for Future Development
In the more than 20 years since its opening, city leaders believe there is still room for growth and available space for future development. However, drivers are also looking for more space. South Mt. Juliet Road is often slowed by heavy traffic.
“It’s pretty bad,” Hefner said.
Hefner noted that relief is on the way. South Mt. Juliet Road and Central Pike are expected to see added lanes in the coming years. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is also planning a new Central Pike interchange off Interstate 40.
“I drive in this traffic too, so I can thoroughly appreciate the frustration,” Hefner said. “But just know that relief is coming. It’ll be here.”
Continued Success and Challenges
Traffic congestion is also a sign of Providence Marketplace’s continued success more than 20 years after it opened.
“It really just put Mt. Juliet on the map. It’s a great location,” Hinson said. “The demographics there continue to thrive.”
Hefner explained that the city relies more heavily on sales tax revenue generated from Providence Marketplace to help fund city projects because Mt. Juliet has lower property taxes than many peer cities in the area.
