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Commission approves $38.5 million design and early funding for TCAT Nashville expansion in Sumner County

State Building Commission · March 12, 2026

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Summary

The State Building Commission approved early design-phase funding for the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Nashville Sumner County campus expansion; the architect described a two-phase project with labs, shops and a projected start date of May 21 and substantial completion in July 2028 at about $38.5 million.

Gary Askew, principal with Bower ASCII Architecture, presented early design plans and budget recommendations for the Sumner County campus expansion and renovation at TCAT Nashville. "The project is in budget, at just under, dollars 38,500,000.0," Askew said, and outlined a two-phase construction sequence that would let occupants move into a new back building before demolishing and rebuilding the front portion.

Askew described educational spaces such as cosmetology labs, industrial maintenance and HVAC shops, automotive and welding labs, and technology spaces for CIT and CAD. He said the project would be organized along a central spine with student commons and an administrative suite near Highway 109, and that phase 1 would begin after the local middle school year ends.

A commissioner who spoke in favor referenced local leaders' advocacy, noting, "Leader Lambert has been a persistent advocate of this project ... I know the governor is very proud of it as well." After brief discussion and recognition of local support, the commission moved, seconded and approved scope and early design funding as presented.

The project team said construction is anticipated to begin May 21 and that phase 1 and phase 2 together would take about 26 months, with substantial completion projected in July 2028. The commission did not provide a roll-call tally in the hearing transcript; the item passed on a voice vote.