Heritage Foundation Annual Meeting
The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County held its 41st Annual Meeting in The Factory’s Jamison Hall last night. It was a night packed with a list of accomplishments, election of new board members, preservation award winners, and exciting news for the Franklin Theatre now owned by the Heritage Foundation.
Justice Connie Clark led the elections and the new officers who were unanimously elected included native banker Jody Bowman, Cyril Stewart with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Andy Marshall of Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant and Laura Bustetter with Williamson Medical Center. Outgoing officers Hank Brockman, Woody Woodruff, and Bryan Echols were presented with a plaque commemorating their service.
Speaking to the Heritage Foundation mission to “protect and preserve” the preservation awards were judged and presented by Shanon Wasielewski, Preservation Planner City of Franklin, and Patrick McIntyre, Executive Director Tennessee Historical Commission.
Guests enjoyed interior and exterior pictures of the 12 award nominees from all over the county to include:
- Winner of Residential Rehabilitation – Pre-1900 – Kinnard Springs Log Kitchen
- Winner of Residential Rehabilitation – Post-1900 – Old BGA Headmaster’s House
- Residential Rehabilitation – Post-1900 : Honorable Mention
- Cottage at Myles Manor – Honorable Mention
- Warren House – Honorable Mention
- Winner of Commercial Rehabilitation – Post-1900 – Cheatham, Palermo & Garrett
- Winner of New Commercial Construction – Pratt/Lowery Building
- Honorable Mention of New Commercial Construction – The Offices Reserve at Cross Creek
- Winner of Conservation Award – Harlinsdale Manor
- Three Winners of Historic Landscape Restoration – Berry’s Chapel, Franklin City Cemetery and Nolensville Stone Walls
- Best Overall “Restoration of the Year” Winner – Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church
The excitement came when President David Garrett and Executive Director Mary Pearce showed interior and exterior storyboards of a totally rehabilitated Franklin Theatre and announced fundraising efforts to date. On stage and presented with a gift for significant contributions included Kristy & Jeff Williams, Birdsong Creative, Coach Jimmy Gentry, Becky & Bill Barkley, Susan and Walt Gorman, Marcia and Jay Franks, Cal Turner, and Emily Magid. Cal Turner issued a challenge for the Heritage Foundation to raise $2 Million to add to Mr. Turner’s $1 million donation. Emily Magid, volunteer with the Heritage Foundation and Board Member, had anonymously given the Heritage Foundation a loan to buy the theatre in October 2007. She has forgiven that debt and met the challenge given by Mr. Turner by donating $2 million to the Franklin Theatre. Both Turner and Magid expressed their excitement at reviving a Main Street theater for the community.
To date, the Heritage Foundation has $3.2 Million on hand to begin restoration of the much beloved 1937 theatre. Fundraising efforts will continue with a mass mailing to all members and those who have called in to support this effort. The Heritage Foundation believes that once the entire community receives the fundraising information donations will abound. Projected budget for purchase and restoration of the building is $7 million.
Members and guests ended the evening with “A Taste of Franklin” with seven restaurants providing their specialties for all to enjoy. Special thanks to Franklin Chop House, McCreary’s Irish Pub, Merridee’s Breadbasket, Monell’s, Puckett’s, Red Pony, Sol and Xoconochco for the delicious food and to Ajax Turner Company and Del Rio Wine and Spirits.
