The Factory at Franklin

Project Statement

The Factory at Franklin, a 260,000-square-foot former cast iron stove works built in 1929, has long been a community landmark. Saved from demolition in the 1990s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has now undergone a transformative revitalization under Holladay Properties, who purchased the property in 2021. Once half vacant and in decline, The Factory is now 90% leased, reenergized as a premier destination blending retail, dining, culture, and community.
At the core of the vision plan is connectivity—linking indoor and outdoor experiences, complementing Franklin’s streetscape improvements, and anticipating the surrounding Factory District. The centerpiece, the Grand Hall, is anchored by the Skylight Bar and framed by a dynamic mix of restaurants including Etch, Hattie B’s, Edley’s BBQ, and Otaku Ramen. An exterior service way was reimagined as a vibrant alley with storefronts and pocket parks, enriching pedestrian life.
The Factory’s role as a cultural hub is amplified by Turner Theater, a state-of-the-art 350-seat performance venue and permanent home for Studio Tenn Theatre Company. Nearly 40,000 square feet of flexible event space supports live music, weddings, and corporate events, while the Experience Lab—an immersive exhibit by charity: water—broadens the site’s reach into global storytelling and education.
Historic preservation was central to the project. Long-established tenants such as Honest Coffee, Luna Records, and Stonebridge Art Gallery were retained and supported, while new cultural assets were introduced. The upcoming carousel building, showcasing hand-carved works by local artist Ken Means, will further celebrate Franklin’s artistic heritage.
Attention to detail extended to furniture design. Inspired by 1920s industrial design, custom pieces crafted from bent tube steel balance durability with historic character. Developed in collaboration with Mesa Millwork through prototyping and on-site testing, the collection ensures functionality for thousands of weekly visitors while reinforcing the site’s cohesive aesthetic.
Green spaces are woven throughout the campus, with lush plantings and courtyards encouraging gathering. The Skylight Bar offers a flexible social anchor, crafted to honor the Factory’s architectural backdrop and the town’s welcoming spirit.
From a declining property to a thriving cultural landmark, The Factory at Franklin embodies adaptive reuse at its finest—protecting a 90-year-old historic structure while cultivating a vibrant, modern hub for dining, arts, and community.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

**Integration** - The Factory at Franklin transforms a 90-year-old industrial landmark into a vibrant cultural hub that blends preservation with modern vitality. Guided by principles of connectivity, inclusivity, sustainability, resilience, and community engagement, the project balances beauty with social, economic, and environmental impact. Through the interplay of preserved architecture, lush courtyards, rich culinary offerings, live performance spaces, and tactile custom furnishings, it creates a sensory-rich environment that connects visitors deeply to Franklin’s history while offering fresh, contemporary experiences. By supporting beloved local businesses, elevating cultural and artistic heritage, and serving as a gathering place for dining, arts, and community life, The Factory embodies Franklin’s identity and secures its role as an irreplaceable landmark for generations to come. Its adaptive reuse reduces environmental impact, while diverse tenant offerings, flexible event spaces, and inclusive public areas generate long-term economic vitality and social value—ensuring The Factory continues to thrive as both a cultural touchstone and a model of resilient design.

**Economy** - By adaptively reusing its historic structure, The Factory preserves cultural and natural resources while reducing environmental impact, all while fostering economic vitality through a diverse mix of dining, arts, retail, and event spaces. Cultural programming, educational exhibits, and green gathering areas enrich community life, while investments in preservation, durable custom furnishings, and flexible event spaces balance upfront costs with long-term resilience, reduced maintenance, and sustained revenue. This emphasis on adaptive reuse protects architectural heritage and ensures both ongoing community relevance and economic return. Looking ahead, performance can be further strengthened by maximizing energy efficiency in lighting and climate control, expanding community programming in flexible spaces, and improving accessibility through wayfinding and inclusive design—enhancements that can be achieved without significant cost or compromising the design vision.

**Equitable Communities** - The Factory at Franklin is more than a retail and dining destination—it is a cultural and community hub that blends historic preservation with modern experiences, offering space for arts, education, entertainment, and global storytelling while reinforcing Franklin’s identity as a regional landmark. By weaving green spaces, pocket parks, and pedestrian-friendly alleys into the campus, it creates a walkable, human-scaled environment where arts, dining, and gathering spaces converge to foster inclusivity and diversity. At the same time, the project acknowledges the risk of exclusion for lower-income residents, individuals with limited mobility, or community members who feel disconnected if spaces cater primarily to affluent visitors or ticketed events. To address this, The Factory prioritizes affordable, open-access programming, ADA-compliant design, free or low-cost community events, and support for diverse local businesses, reducing barriers and strengthening its role as an inclusive community destination. Event spaces, the Turner Theater, pocket parks, courtyards, and the Skylight Bar provide natural gathering points where public art, performances, markets, and shared dining experiences cultivate meaningful human connection. Beyond cultural enrichment, The Factory’s flexible indoor and outdoor spaces also enhance resilience: open courtyards and event areas can be adapted for emergency shelter, supply distribution, or wellness programming, reinforcing the campus as a vital resource for community health and wellbeing.