Rutherford County officials, community leaders, and project partners recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Rutherford County Forensic Center.The ~16,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will equip local forensic specialists with advanced technology and resources to support forensic investigations and medical research.
Located on a 10-acre campus alongside other county services, the $15 million project is scheduled for completion in early 2027. Thoughtfully designed to meet the highest industry standards, the Forensic Center will have the capacity to perform up to 1,000 autopsies annually, easing the current workload on Nashville’s Middle Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, which serves 60 counties across the region. By improving turnaround times, fostering collaboration between detectives and forensic staff, and expanding training opportunities for local investigators, the center will play a vital role in strengthening justice and supporting families across the region. Beyond its technical capabilities, the facility represents a major investment in public health, safety, and community trust.
The groundbreaking ceremony not only marked the start of construction but also celebrated a shared vision for a future where forensic answers come faster, investigations are stronger, and the community is better served. R.C. Mathews is proud to partner with Kline Swinney Architects, Rutherford County, the City of Smyrna, and other dedicated partners on this significant project.