The Upper Cumberland Development District recently broke ground on the site of their new building on England Drive in Cookeville.The project, designed by Upland Design Group, includes improved amenities to accommodate UCDD’s program staff, clients and visitors and will replace their current location at 1225 South Willow Ave. in Cookeville.
“On behalf of the UCDD Board of Directors and staff, we are incredibly excited about today’s groundbreaking,” UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley stated. “Our new location and larger facility will allow us adequately serve our clients today and will give us the flexibility to grow and meet the future needs of the region.”
UCDD leadership believes the new location and facility will better serve their board, staff and clients. Plans for the 19,483 square-foot facility include a large meeting space, ample parking and an interior thoughtfully designed to accommodate individuals with limited mobility, with client meeting rooms near the entrance, larger waiting areas, widened hallways and a covered drive-through entrance. The location of the building site was carefully chosen due to its proximity to Interstate 40 and Highway 111.
“Our staff commutes to multiple counties daily,” Farley stated. “This location not only puts us at the prime intersection for our staff and board members but increases our visibility for clients exponentially.”
UCDD has been located on South Willow Ave. since December of 1972. The current building has been expanded over the years to satisfy the needs of program and staff growth and has reached capacity.
Landlocked by neighboring businesses, UCDD’s options to renovate and expand the existing facility to offer additional parking, offices and meeting space were limited. Finding a new home at a visible and accessible location with ample parking became priority for leadership, who began exploring relocation options in January 2017.
The new facility will include an increased footprint from their current 15,164 square foot building, including 105 parking spaces compared to the current 70.
Construction on the new facility is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2019. The construction company for the project is Mid State Construction of Cookeville.
The Upper Cumberland Development District provides regional planning and assistance to the 14-county Upper Cumberland region to promote economic growth and community enhancement. Find UCDD on the web at www.ucdd.org and at facebook.com/UCDDconnect.
