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The new infrastructure includes turning lanes on South Hartmann Drive, street lighting, sidewalks, crosswalks and a new traffic signal.

Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell, Ward 4 Councilor Chris Crowell, Economic Development Director Sarah Haston and Nashville-based developer David Crabtree spoke before the ribbon cutting.

“Today is an example of when a lot of people work together for the betterment of this city and to make something like this happen, because I can promise you it’s not easy,� Bell said.

Bell and Haston first communicated with Sam’s Club in 2022. Since then, they and the City Council have worked to make a deal with the retailer.

“They came here for a visit, [Haston] gave them a tour of the city,� Bell said. “They looked at several different locations [in] different wards, but they eventually landed on this spot behind me.�

Sam’s Club 7673’s address will be 600 Willard Hagan Drive. It’ll be the first of two constructions in the new development. According to Bell, Target plans to build across the street.

“[This is] going to be a future commercial and retail hub for this city where people can shop, dine — not just people from Lebanon, but people throughout this entire region — spend their time, their money right here in this city,� Bell continued. “Today is not just about a ribbon cutting on a road, it’s about the future.�

He said the City Councilors were some of the most important people behind the project, also calling it a private-public partnership.

“That means the City of Lebanon helped design it, we helped plan it, we worked with private individuals to make sure that it got done and have a long-range plan for the road and for development that will occur along the road,� Crowell said later on at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Crowell described Ward 4, where the development is located, as a strategic area of Lebanon for businesses to take advantage of proximity to Interstate 40, State Route 109 and Interstate 840.

Crabtree said it was an honor to develop a project in Lebanon.

“We’re grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of it. We were fortunate to recognize the quality of the city that Lebanon is and Wilson County is,� Crabtree said. “Residents are thoughtful, decent folks that are looking for a good life for their families, children and for the greater community.�

Haston said a lot of hours were put into making the development possible and bringing two confirmed retail locations in, laying the foundation for further economic growth.