UPDATE 3/9/26:

The Building's Committee of the Macon County Commission will meet Monday, March 16th 2026 at 5:00 PM in the Legislative Meeting Room at the Macon County Administrative Building at 201 Nature Trail Way. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the future of the former courthouse. It had previously been approved by the commisson to allow bids to be taken from real estate agencies on the potential sale of the historic courthouse. 

The people of Macon County deserve a say in this, and our leaders are not listening to their people. There are few out of the masses that want to see the county sell or do away with the building itself. The many want to see it restored, preserved and put to good use for the future of Macon County and preserving it's historical character and community.

This petition will be taken to the Building's Committee Meeting on March 16th and we would like for it to gather as many signatures as possible before then! Your voice deserves to be heard! Do not let our government push our history to the side in the name of money. It is irresponsbile and goes against the very foundations that Macon County was built on. 

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**CALLING ALL VOTERS**

Petition to the Macon County Commission: Save and Restore the Former Macon County Courthouse (1933-2025)

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To the Honorable Members of the Macon County Commission,

We, the undersigned residents, community members, and friends of Macon County, respectfully submit this petition to urge the preservation, restoration, and repurposing of the former Macon County Courthouse, located at the center of the Lafayette Square. This iconic and historic structure, built in 1933, has served as a cornerstone of our community for nearly a century. Its significance to the history and identity of Macon County cannot be overstated. The lot has witnessed nearly 184 years of our county’s progress, prosperity, and growth.

From pivotal legal proceedings to countless community events, the location has been at the heart of Macon County’s civic life. It stands not only as a symbol of our past but also as a testament to the people and the generations who have shaped this community.

However, the courthouse is now facing the threat of being sold after its decommissioning in 2025 and after moves to do so by the county commission. It is our collective belief that this location represents much more than a physical place, it represents the spirit and resilience of Macon County. To allow this piece of history to be given to the hands of private individuals or industries, would be to erase a significant part of our history. 

We recognize that preserving and restoring such a building requires investment, time, and effort, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. By saving and repurposing the former courthouse, we can:

1. Preserve History: Ensure that the architectural legacy of Macon County continues to be a part of our community for future generations. This courthouse is a visual record of our shared history and must be maintained as a cultural and historical landmark.
2. Enhance Community Identity: The courthouse has long been a symbol of Macon County's character, and its continued existence would provide a focal point for local pride, reinforcing our identity as a community.
3. Create Educational Opportunities: A restored courthouse could serve as a multipurpose space for history non-profits, research centers, libraries, museums, and so much more. 
4. Promote Heritage Tourism: Restoring this iconic building would attract visitors, historians, and those interested in the architectural beauty and history of Macon County. A repurposed courthouse could become a key destination, drawing attention and investment to the surrounding area.

We encourage the commission and county representatives to look at other Tennessee Counties who have received grants to complete these exact types of projects; such as Murray County and Smith County. There are even other options such as working with other local government entities, such as the City of Lafayette, to create  historic zoning ordinances and commissions to protect not only this building, but other buildings pivotal to our local history such as: the historic courthouse, the once Lafayette post office (now Gibsons), the Citizen’s Bank building (now the Health Nut, Mayhem Mechanical), the White Hotel (the only historic hotel building standing in Lafayette), the Lafayette Cinema, and many others on our square that are historically significant to Macon County and Lafayette history  

We understand the challenges that come with such an undertaking, but we also believe that the preservation of this historic building is a project worth pursuing. The Macon County Courthouse is more than just a structure; it is a repository of memories and stories that have shaped the lives of countless Macon Countians. It is a physical representation of the past that continues to have meaning in the present.

Therefore, we urge the Macon County Commission to take the necessary steps to save, restore, and repurpose the former courthouse. We ask that you work with local preservationists, architects, and the community to ensure that this building is not lost to time but instead becomes a renewed symbol of our shared history and future.

We, the undersigned, stand united in this effort to save the former Macon County Courthouse and ensure it remains a living, breathing part of our community for years to come.