Check Out These New Developments in Robertson County

Jeff Adkins

Greenbrier is a special place for Brandon Frank. He’s been a lifelong resident of the steadily growing small town in Robertson County, and, more recently, he began to recognize the significance of that role. Frank, who has been in the construction industry for about 20 years and is the owner of Brandon Frank Construction, did much of his work early on in Nashville and other locations outside of his home county. 

And then he had an epiphany of sorts. 

“I was born and raised in Greenbrier,” Frank says. “That’s one of the reasons I wanted to start reinvesting here. My business started in Nashville doing historic preservations and remodels. We do a lot of high-end work. But I was doing it everywhere but my hometown. I started a little bit at a time. I went from building a couple of houses to locating my office in a building in the center of Greenbrier.” 

Solid Foundation for Business 

The determination that Frank exhibits can be seen in other towns and communities in the county. From Greenbrier to Springfield to White House, significant growth is evident throughout all the new developments in Robertson County. And with that are three types of developers investing in the region right now – major corporations, government agencies and local professionals. 

“Robertson County is unique in that there are 11 distinctively charming cities within the county of approximately 73,000 people,” says Vonda Gates, Robertson County’s economic development director. “It’s an urban, rural and growing middle market with new construction in planned developments, historic homes, golf-course living, mini farms and urban lots.” 

Gates further points out that Robertson County has a diversified business community that includes TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center and companies such as Electrolux Home Products, Macy’s Logistics, Dorman Products, Lowe’s Direct Fulfillment Center and Airtech.

Volunteer State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology and UT Martin also play a significant role in providing educational opportunities for degrees and the skilled trades. 

A Variety of New Developments in Robertson County

While Springfield stands as the anchor of sorts as the county seat, White House is Robertson’s fastest-growing town. It currently has a population of just over 13,000 people, and that total is expected to reach 28,000 in the next eight years or so. White House added 1,189 homes between 2020 and 2023, averaging 361 housing units a year. 

“That gives an idea of our explosive growth going on right now,” says Gerald Herman, White House city administrator. 

He adds there are many reasons people are moving here, including quality of life factors like Robertson County Schools and a low crime rate. “People have to feel safe in their community,” Herman says. “I think we do a very good job with low crime rates. Our school system is important. Our schools have improved by leaps and bounds over previous years.” 

White House will soon see the opening of a Publix, which will join Kroger and Walmart as shopping center anchors, and several projects and new businesses will also soon be opening in the city. This includes a highly anticipated new recreation center. 

In addition, a business park located on 200-plus acres is under development and will bring more business opportunities. 

The Union Springs Business Park in White House is a partnership between the Robertson County Economic Development Board, City of White House, TVA and TDECD. 

“A lot of people currently leave White House and commute to jobs outside the county,” Gates says. “With the opportunity to bring more jobs into the city, citizens will be able to live and work in the same community.” 

For Brandon Frank, investing in his community has paid off both professionally and personally. Not only did he purchase one corner of downtown Greenbrier for his office, but he also bought two others that would later develop into the Town Square Commons. 

“We kind of brought Greenbrier to life,” says Frank, who served as business leader for the project. “Before we had done all of this, if you had come to Greenbrier, there was nothing going on. Now if you drive through here, it’s alive (with all kinds of activities). It’s a lot better now than it was seven or eight years ago.”