Sometimes when we see something every day, we fail to genuinely appreciate it. When was the last time you paused and took a good look at the Shelbyville square?  

There is still a lot of work to be completed around the courthouse, but the sidewalks are finished and the overall look of the square has been greatly improved. The traffic lights have been removed and the traffic flow is smoother.  

I know most merchants didn’t enjoy having the sidewalk renovation work in front of their businesses, especially those who were having to deal with the construction work during the holiday season.  

But I doubt any of those businessowners are unhappy with the finished result. When so many small towns are struggling to find ways to keep their business districts, especially their squares, viable, our square is filled with businesses of all sorts. We still need a place where someone could purchase a nice tie or dress shirt, but I quibble.  

There is also the need for some refurbishment of some buildings on Depot Street, but Jon English has improved his side of the street with a new business and a renovated office building. But the square, the buildings surrounding the courthouse, has the look of a thriving business district, a rarity among small towns.  

Many longtime residents probably know this, but to educate the newcomers to our town, the Shelbyville square plan can be found in most books on architecture.  

Designed in 1810 the “Shelbyville square” or “Shelbyville plan” served as a protype for many public squares in the 1800s from Middle Tennessee to the Midwest according to the “NowPlayingNashville” website.  

The newest addition to the square revitalization is the latest transformation of the old Knox Pitts Hardware building which had been the home of the Antiques, Art and Collectibles. Chavigny Beasley, her son Jeb House and her daughter-in-law Ashley are planning a farm-to-table restaurant, shoppes and a tavern among other uses, according to an article in the “Times-Gazette.”  

The square was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It has an interesting past, and it appears it will have an even more interesting future.  

More improvements are on the way as the city and county have plans in place. While there is excitement over the future it is a fun time to enjoy the square and what it is today.  

Several years ago, a writer at a Middle Tennessee paper said something was “deader than the Shelbyville square at 4:30 on a Saturday”.  

I don’t think that is the case now and if plans continue to fruition the square will be thriving every day and night.  

We can always find things to complain about, but our square is not one of them. Visit the restaurants. Shop the local businesses. Let’s appreciate what we have.