Smyrna Approves Downtown Redevelopment Plan, Ushering in a New Era for the City
Thursday, February 5th, 2026
On Monday, February 2, the Smyrna City Council approved the final Smyrna Downtown Redevelopment Plan, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the city.
Click here to access the full plan directly.
The plan is the result of nearly 18 months of community input, research, and thoughtful discussion focused on shaping the future of downtown Smyrna.
● The redevelopment opportunity was made possible by the City’s acquisition of the former Smyrna First Baptist Church property in early 2025. The nearly nine-acre site sits adjacent to downtown’s existing shops and restaurants and effectively doubles the size of Smyrna’s downtown footprint.
● This once-in-a-generation opportunity allows the City to reimagine downtown’s growth, character, and long-term success.
At the heart of the plan is the adaptive reuse of the church’s historic chapel, complemented by a modern addition, new green space, and the creation of the Jonquil Mile. The Jonquil Mile serves as the unifying element of the redevelopment, linking key downtown destinations, including Market Village, the Village Green, King Street, and the redevelopment site, into one continuous, walkable experience.
More than a trail, the Jonquil Mile is envisioned as a signature linear public space and destination in its own right. It will connect people to businesses, civic spaces, and gathering areas while supporting walking, biking, and placemaking throughout downtown.
Key goals of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan include:
● Establishing a fresh vision for downtown that builds on the City’s 2020 B.O.L.D. Downtown Master Plan
● Reimagining the former First Baptist Church site as a community-centered extension of downtown
Recommended redevelopment highlights include:
● Approximately 22% of the site dedicated to green space
● A 120-room hotel
The next step is finding a developer to interpret and implement the approved plan. The City of Smyrna looks forward to seeking qualified developers to submit their versions of this plan in the next several months.
