The Margin District in Franklin, TN: How Downtown is Growing Beyond Main Street
Office, Retail, & Luxury Living in Downtown Franklin, TN
Have you heard of The Margin District in downtown Franklin and wondered what it is? The project has been part of local conversations for some time and is now becoming a more visible presence as development continues just south of downtown.
Planned just south of downtown Franklin, The Margin District is a mixed-use development that brings residential, retail, and office space to a stretch of town that has long functioned as a transition between historic Main Street and surrounding corridors. Rather than replacing the downtown core or shifting activity away from it, the project is designed to extend the downtown area slightly, building on what already exists nearby.
Below is a closer look at where The Margin District is located, what’s included in the plans, and how the development is expected to take shape as construction moves forward.
Where The Margin District Is Located and Why It Matters
The Margin District is located one block south of Five Points, near the southern edge of downtown Franklin. The site fronts Columbia Avenue and spans portions of the 700 and 800 blocks near the intersection of Margin Street, an area many residents already recognize as a gateway between downtown and larger commercial corridors.
Main Street shops, restaurants, offices, and event spaces are within walking distance. Although the property sits outside Franklin’s Historic Preservation Overlay District, it remains closely connected to downtown in both location and daily use.
This stretch of Columbia Avenue has long functioned as an in-between zone, not quite downtown, but not fully removed from it either. The Margin District is being built in that transitional space, where historic Franklin begins to give way to larger commercial areas, making it a logical place for downtown-adjacent growth.
What’s Planned for The Margin District
The Margin District brings several everyday uses together in one place. Rather than separating housing, offices, and shopping into different parts of town, the development stacks them into a single, connected site.
The plan includes more than 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space at street level. These ground-floor businesses are designed to face sidewalks and shared outdoor areas, keeping storefronts and pedestrian activity at the forefront rather than surface parking.
Above the retail level, approximately 50,000 square feet of office space is planned for the second floor. These offices are intended for professional firms and service-based businesses that want to be close to downtown activity without requiring a Main Street storefront.
On the upper level, the development will include 25 residential condominiums. Placing homes above the commercial space allows residents to live close to daily amenities while keeping private living areas separate from street-level activity.
Parking for residents, employees, and visitors will be accommodated in a structured garage located beneath the main levels of the development. By placing parking below the retail, office, and residential spaces, the project limits surface parking and keeps the street-level focus on storefronts, sidewalks, and public areas.
Once completed, The Margin District will total approximately 180,000 square feet across its combined uses.
Design, Preservation, and the Handy Hardware Building
Any new development near downtown Franklin raises questions about how it will look and whether it will feel out of place. Design has been a major consideration for The Margin District, especially given its location just outside the historic core. Project planning has included coordination with City of Franklin officials and members of the historic preservation community to help ensure the redevelopment integrates with the surrounding area.
One of the most notable aspects of the project is the decision to preserve and reuse the former Handy Hardware building. The longtime hardware store served this stretch of Columbia Avenue for years and remains a familiar reference point for many residents. The property was acquired in 2020 and is now being incorporated into the development, allowing a recognizable piece of the area’s commercial history to remain part of the streetscape.
New construction within the district draws on Franklin’s existing architecture, including rooflines, building heights, and overall proportions. The goal isn’t to recreate historic buildings, but to ensure the new development feels connected to its surroundings rather than appearing separate from them.
Living, Working, and Spending Time at The Margin District
The Margin District is designed to support everyday activity, bringing residential living, retail, dining, and office space together in one walkable area near downtown Franklin.
The residential component of the project, known as The Residences at The Margin District, includes 25 condominiums located above the retail and office spaces. These are larger-format homes designed for people who want to live near downtown Franklin without maintaining a single-family property. Floor plans are expected to range from approximately 2,000 square feet to just over 3,000 square feet, offering a variety of layouts within the building.
Each residence will include private outdoor space, two secured parking spaces in a gated section of the garage, and access to a dedicated storage unit of approximately 100 square feet. Elevators provide direct access to the residential level, keeping private living areas separate from the busier spaces below. The building is also planned to include secure package delivery and controlled access, supporting a lock-and-leave setup for residents who travel frequently or split time between locations.
At street level, more than 50,000 square feet of retail and dining space is planned along pedestrian-facing areas. Storefronts open onto sidewalks and shared outdoor spaces, encouraging people to walk through the district and spend time there rather than treating it as a drive-through destination. While specific tenants have not yet been announced, leasing is underway, and the retail mix is expected to complement downtown Franklin’s existing offerings.
Above the retail level, approximately 50,000 square feet of office space is planned, with professional suites starting at around 2,500 square feet. The location allows employees to walk to downtown Franklin for meals, meetings, or errands, offering a traditional office environment with the benefit of proximity to Main Street and nearby services.
Together, these uses are intended to create steady, everyday activity in this part of town, not just during festivals or special events, but throughout the week.
What’s Next for The Margin District in Franklin, TN
The official groundbreaking for The Margin District took place in 2025, marking the start of on-site construction. Early work has focused on site preparation and initial building activity along Columbia Avenue, with construction expected to continue in phases rather than all at once.
As part of the development, changes to the surrounding street network are also planned. South Margin Street is expected to be closed permanently between Columbia Avenue and Cummins Street, with plans to extend 9th Avenue through the area once construction is complete.
Retail and office leasing is currently underway, while residential occupancy remains projected for 2027 based on current timelines. Residential sales have also begun, though move-in will not occur until construction is complete. As construction progresses, different portions of the development will take shape at different times, meaning visible changes will happen gradually. Residents can expect ongoing construction activity over the coming months, along with periodic announcements as future retail and office tenants are confirmed.
Updates on progress, milestones, and site activity are shared through The Margin District’s Instagram account, which provides a visual way to follow the project as it develops.
Related Reading: Living, Exploring, and Getting Around Franklin
For readers interested in the broader context around downtown Franklin and what it’s like to live, explore, and get around the area, these guides offer a helpful perspective. Walkable Living in Franklin, TN: When Location Matters looks at how walkability shapes daily life in and around downtown. Moving to Franklin, TN: Living in One of the South’s Best Cities provides an overview of what draws people to the area and what to expect when relocating. For those who want to dig deeper into downtown itself, More to Explore When You Visit Downtown Franklin, Tennessee highlights shops, restaurants, and experiences just beyond Main Street.
