MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -
Despite a legal challenge to stop it, construction crews in Rutherford County have made a lot of progress since last year's groundbreaking of the new Islamic Center of Murfreesboro.
The controversial new mosque will be located on Veals Road just off Bradyville Pike and the building is finally taking shape.
The plot of land has gone from an empty lot to a concrete slab and foundation. Most of the plumbing systems have been prepped and steel columns that will support the walls are in place.
The new 50,000 square foot building was a controversial plan that garnered national attention.
Despite being in the community 26 years, some felt the new center didn't belong.
Protests, lawsuits and vandalism were common before the design plans were given the go-ahead by the courts.
Construction is on schedule and walls are anticipated to go up within the next two to three weeks.
The entire building could be complete by August.
At the old mosque on Middle Tennessee Boulevard, plans are still being worked on. Renting and selling the building are being discussed as options.
Although construction is underway, the legal battles are not yet over.
An active lawsuit claims Rutherford County planners did not give the public enough notice before approving the plans. The outcome of the lawsuit could have an impact on the project.
"Chancellor Corlew has cleared the path for us to have a final trial, and that's where it's headed," Attorney Joe Brandon said. "With respect to whether or not it will be built, we do not believe that it will. The chancellor previously stated if the public notice that was given was inadequate, then all permits are void."
A non-jury trial is currently scheduled for April 25.
Related Stories:
- Nov. 2, 2011: Chancellor sets date for Murfreesboro mosque trial
- Sept. 29, 2011: Groundbreaking held for new Murfreesboro mosque
- Sept. 14, 2011: Mosque construction delayed after bids lacking
- Aug. 29, 2011: Judge upholds ruling in favor of mosque project
- May 19, 2011: Judge rules against plaintiffs in mosque suit
- March 10, 2011: Mosque opponents lose effort to get 31,000 emails
- Nov. 17, 2010: Rutherford Co. judge won't stop mosque construction
- Oct. 21, 2010: Plaintiffs' attorney questions mosque intention
- Oct. 20, 2010: More angry words as mosque hearing resumes
- Oct. 19, 2010: Court battle over Murfreesboro mosque to resume Wednesday
- Oct. 18, 2010: Feds file legal brief in support of Murfreesboro mosque
- Sept. 28, 2010: Mosque hearing focuses on site approval
- Sept. 27, 2010: Rutherford Co. judge considers stopping mosque construction
- Sept. 24, 2010: Rutherford Co. religious leaders unite in support of mosque
- Sept. 16, 2010: Mosque supporters gather at commissioners meeting
- Sept. 10, 2010: Local Muslims worry about anti-Islamic messages
- Sept. 3, 2010: Accelerants used to start mosque fire, Reward offered
- Aug. 31, 2010: Vigil held after latest incidents at mosque site
- Aug. 30, 2010: Gunshots heard near Murfreesboro Islamic center site
- Aug. 28, 2010: ATF investigates arson at mosque construction site
- Aug. 24, 2010: Murfreesboro mosque construction enters 2nd day
- Aug. 12, 2010: Proposed mosque brings threat of lawsuit to commissioners
- Aug. 4, 2010: Islamic center controversy could prompt zoning changes
- July 15, 2010: Billboard opposes Murfreesboro Islamic center
- June 26, 2010: Residents rally to show support for Islamic Center of Murfreesboro
- June 24, 2010: Opposing sides come face-to-face at mosque rally
- June 24, 2010: Future Islamic center sign vandalized in Murfreesboro
- June 18, 2010: Rutherford Co. mosque reaches out after neighbors' public outcry
- June 17, 2010: Mosque approval last month stirs strong emotions
- Jan. 18, 2010: Vandals spray paint Murfreesboro Islamic center sign
