Kingston Springs eyes new City Hall, depot revitalization

Kingston Springs officials are in the early stages of planning a new City Hall and revitalized train depot on property the town purchased nearly four years ago from the Hemmer family.

City Manager John Lawless said the historic depot was a key reason the town acquired the property. Gerald Hemmer, who once owned it, had moved the structure to its current location to save it from demolition. “In working with the Hemmer family, we made clear we wanted to refurbish the depot,” Lawless said. “It’s such a big piece of the town’s history.”

Originally envisioned as a preservation project, the site has evolved into a broader civic opportunity. The property now regularly hosts farmers markets, food trucks and community events. Its size and layout revealed potential for a more ambitious plan: a combined complex with green space, a new municipal building and a reimagined depot that could serve as both a museum and small event venue.

Working with retired local architect Marion Fowlkes and landscape designer Ashley Akers, the town has developed a conceptual master plan – at no cost to taxpayers so far. Fowlkes and Akers both donated their time and expertise to help shape the vision.

The new City Hall would likely be two stories to preserve green space and accommodate parking requirements. It could include features like a drive-through for residents and leasable office space to help fund the project. The existing depot would be updated to meet modern codes, with the front lobby converted into a volunteer-run museum and the rear freight room turned into a rentable space for small events.

Lawless emphasized that plans remain in the conceptual stage. “We’re still working through what the footprint would be and how much space we actually need,” he said. The next step is hiring an architect to produce detailed, ADA-compliant plans and cost estimates.

Officials are also considering future use of the current City Hall property, with options including demolition, leasing or sale. The police and fire departments may remain in their current location.

Lawless said the project fits into a larger goal of shaping downtown’s future. “We see the downtown area of Kingston Springs looking very different – hopefully in a good way – in the next few years,” he said. “We want to be part of that change.”