A New Chapter for Franklin: Franklin, Tennessee is getting ready to welcome something new to its downtown. The Margin is a project that brings together creativity, community, and local business in one thoughtfully designed space. This mixed-use development is built to support artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, all while preserving the walkable charm that makes Franklin unique. With flexible spaces, creative energy, and a focus on adaptive reuse, The Margin is set to become a key part of the city's next chapter. It honors Franklin's roots while looking confidently toward the future.
Design That Inspires: The Margin is built around creativity and collaboration. It will offer a mix of workspaces, studios, event areas, and shared amenities designed for a wide range of people, including filmmakers, designers, small business owners, and digital creatives. The design will preserve much of the site's original industrial character while adding modern elements like natural light, open-air spaces, and clean materials. It's a place meant to spark ideas, encourage connection, and support meaningful work.
Rooted in the Community: The Margin sits just a short walk from Main Street, making it an easy part of everyday life in downtown Franklin. Its location gives you quick access to some of the city's favorite spots, from local restaurants and shops to art galleries and live music. It's a place where the charm of small-town life meets the energy of a growing creative community. Whether you're grabbing coffee, heading to a show at the Franklin Theatre, or working on something new, The Margin keeps you close to it all.
Everyday Essentials, Right Next Door: Being at The Margin means more than just having a workspace. It's about having access to everything you need to live and work well. You'll find Franklin's favorite cafes like Frothy Monkey and Honest Coffee Roasters nearby, along with local grocery options, fitness studios, and wellness services. It's an environment that supports not only your productivity but your lifestyle.
Explore Franklin's Cultural Side: Step outside The Margin and you'll find yourself in the middle of Franklin's vibrant cultural scene. Events like Pilgrimage and the Main Street Festival bring in visitors from all over, while spots like Gallery 202, the Factory at Franklin, and the downtown arts crawl show just how much the city values creativity. From live music to local art, The Margin puts you right where Franklin's creative spirit comes to life.
Food, Flavor, and Community: Grabbing a bite near The Margin is part of the experience. Whether you're in the mood for Southern comfort food at Gray's on Main, something quick and casual from Mojo's Tacos, or a night out at 55 South, Franklin's food scene offers a little bit of everything. It's a mix of tradition and creativity, much like The Margin itself. As new restaurants continue to pop up, this part of Williamson County is becoming a go-to spot for both food lovers and people looking to connect with the community.
Events and Entertainment at Your Fingertips: The Margin is more than just a place to work. It's a space built for connection and community. With event areas on site and close ties to downtown venues, it opens the door to speaker series, concerts, local markets, and neighborhood gatherings. It's also just minutes from The Factory, Harlinsdale Farm, and FirstBank Amphitheater, placing you in the heart of a vibrant local scene. And with downtown Nashville only a short drive away, The Margin offers the perfect balance between small-town charm and big-city access for creatives and entrepreneurs alike.
Project Status: The Margin has officially broken ground and construction is underway, with retail, office, and condo leasing already in progress. The project is being led by Southeast Venture, with architectural design by Nequette Architecture & Design and construction managed by W.E. O'Neil. Legend Homes is developing the residential portion, which includes 25 luxury condominiums. The team is working closely with the City of Franklin to ensure the project reflects the city's vision for thoughtful downtown growth. While there isn't a fixed month of opening yet, overall completion is planned for 2027, with more updates expected as work continues.
Bringing It All Together in the Heart of Franklin: The Margin District is a new mixed-use development coming to Columbia Avenue and South Margin Street, just south of Five Points in downtown Franklin. Set to be completed in 2027, it will include 180,000 square feet of space with retail, offices, and 25 luxury condos ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. Each residence will feature private terraces, two gated parking spots, and on-site storage, with prices starting just over $2 million. The project will also offer 500+ underground parking spaces, most open to the public. Designed with Franklin's charm in mind, it will incorporate the historic Handy Hardware building while adding modern energy to the neighborhood.
What to Expect at The Margin: The Margin is set to become a dynamic hub for creativity and community in Franklin. Once completed, it will feature flexible workspaces designed for creatives, makers, and entrepreneurs, offering studios, offices, and production areas tailored to their needs. The development will also include vibrant public event spaces such as outdoor courtyards, rooftop decks, and gathering areas that host live music, local markets, and cultural events. On-site retail and dining options will add to the experience, blending seamlessly with the existing Franklin business scene. With a walkable layout connected to downtown via pedestrian pathways and bikeable routes, The Margin promotes accessibility and flow. Additionally, the project emphasizes sustainability through the adaptive reuse of existing structures and the use of eco-conscious building practices and materials.
Impact on Downtown Real Estate and Development: The Margin supports downtown Franklin's growth while staying true to what makes the area special. It brings fresh energy and creative activity that can boost nearby businesses and attract more people to the area. At the same time, its thoughtful design respects the historic character of downtown. By blending old and new, The Margin shows that progress doesn't have to come at the cost of charm. It sets an example for future projects to build in a way that complements, rather than replaces, what's already here.
What The Margin Could Mean for You: Whether you're a creative looking for a place to work, a business owner ready to grow, or just someone who loves what makes Franklin special, The Margin has something to offer. It's more than just a new development. It's a step toward growing Franklin's creative community while holding onto the small-town feel that makes it unique. With flexible spaces, thoughtful design, and events that bring people together, The Margin is set to become a new kind of landmark for life in Franklin.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What kind of space will The Margin offer?
A: The Margin will include flexible workspaces, studios, and shared environments for creative professionals, along with retail, dining, and event space.
Q: Will The Margin support local businesses?
A: Yes. The project is intentionally designed to support local entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses by offering flexible leases and community programming.
Q: How is The Margin connected to downtown Franklin?
A: The development is walkable to Main Street and adjacent to major destinations like the Factory and Harlinsdale Farm. It is located within the heart of Franklin's cultural and commercial district.