Middle Tennessee State University has officially started turning dirt on Womack Commons, a $56.5 million, five-story student housing complex planned for the southeast edge of campus. The project will bring about 554 new beds, a structured parking garage and a full replacement for the aging Womack Lane apartments, with opening targeted for summer 2027. It is structured as a public-private partnership with The Annex Group, which is stepping in to redevelop the long-serving housing site.
What the New Complex Will Include
The new Womack Commons is planned at roughly 161,000 square feet over five stories and will mix pod-style and semi-suite layouts. Designs call for six-, four-, two- and single-person configurations that combine single and double bedrooms with shared community kitchens, study lounges and on-site laundry facilities, according to details reported by MTSU Sidelines.
Site Plan and Parking
MTSU planning documents show the Womack Lane site covers roughly 10 to 11 acres and outline a structured parking garage of about 550 spaces, according to MTSU planning documents. A Facebook update from the City of Murfreesboro adds that the new Womack Commons building itself will sit on about 2.55 acres and that parking will be split between a 541-space garage and a 52-space surface lot next to it, with the post also sharing photos from the groundbreaking ceremony.
Timeline and Financing
Financing for the $56.5 million project wrapped up in December through the sale of approximately $56.5 million in bonds, with early abatement and demolition work kicking off last year to keep the construction schedule moving. Reporting from WGNS notes that The Annex Group will act as both developer and manager for the complex, which is slated to open in summer 2027.
Why It Matters
Once completed, Womack Commons is expected to more than double the housing capacity of the old Womack Lane apartments, with the added beds aimed at easing tight demand for on-campus living, according to MTSU’s president’s office. University leaders are framing the project around affordability and stronger connections to the rest of campus, while planners are also warning nearby residents and drivers to brace for construction traffic and temporary parking lot closures through next summer. Those points are spelled out in MTSU planning materials and related coverage.
