MTSU’s Shelbyville Aerospace facility marks construction milestone with ‘topping out’
$62 million flight training center expected to be finished by spring 2028
Middle Tennessee State University, the City of Shelbyville and Hoar Construction marked a major milestone Tuesday, July 21, with a topping-out ceremony for the university's new $62 million flight training center under construction at Shelbyville Municipal Airport.
The ceremony celebrated the placement of the final ceremonial beam atop the 52,000-square-foot facility. Local and state leaders, MTSU officials, project partners and supporters signed the beam before it was lifted into place.
The new aviation complex is expected to become a key hub for MTSU's nationally recognized Department of Aerospace, helping meet growing demand for pilot training while supporting workforce needs across the aviation industry. First announced in September 2023, the project is scheduled for completion in spring 2028.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee praised Hoar Construction, architecture firm TMP and the many subcontractors involved in the project, noting the significant progress made since groundbreaking in December.
“The topping-out ceremony is a testament to what can be achieved through careful planning, shared purpose and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” McPhee said, while also thanking the City of Shelbyville and Mayor Randy Carroll for their partnership.
As part of the longstanding construction tradition, an evergreen tree, American flag and banners representing Hoar Construction and MTSU were placed atop the structure to symbolize pride, craftsmanship, collaboration and optimism for the future.
Jason Bennett, division president for Hoar Construction, called the topping-out ceremony a significant milestone for the project.
“We can actually see the shape and structure of the building now, and I know everyone is excited,” Bennett said.
MTSU Board of Trustees Chairman Stephen Smith thanked Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and state leaders for helping secure funding for what he described as a world-class aviation facility. Several members of the university's Board of Trustees attended the ceremony.
Shelbyville Mayor Randy Carroll praised the partnership between the city, university and construction team, noting the project has progressed smoothly. Airport Director and MTSU alumnus Paul Perry said he looks forward to the completion of what he jokingly referred to as the airport's “Taj Mahal.”
Housed within MTSU's College of Basic and Applied Sciences, the Department of Aerospace includes 20 full-time faculty members, more than 100 flight instructors and over 1,400 students from 32 states and 10 countries.
MTSU currently operates flight training programs at both Murfreesboro Airport and Shelbyville Municipal Airport. Once construction is complete, the Shelbyville operation will move from its temporary facilities into the new permanent flight training center.
