McEwen Northside: Franklin’s Walkable District for Restaurants, Shops, and Living
If you’ve driven along McEwen Drive in the Cool Springs area of Franklin lately, you might have noticed the steady transformation: new construction rising, more people walking around, and fresh storefronts taking shape where open space once sat. What was once undeveloped land has been transformed into McEwen Northside, a place that’s reshaping how people in Franklin live, work, and play. Read on to discover what’s there, what’s coming, and why it’s become a popular new destination in Williamson County.
A New Kind of Neighborhood in Franklin, Tennessee
More than just another retail center, McEwen Northside was planned as a place where business and leisure come together. It combines upscale dining, specialty stores, corporate headquarters, and modern apartments in one connected setting. The district has quickly become a spot where locals stop in for everything from coffee and workouts to happy hour and live music.
Before construction began, the 45-acre site at McEwen Drive and Aspen Grove Drive sat mostly unused, despite its location near the Cool Springs Galleria and major office campuses. In 2016, Boyle Investment Company and Northwood Ravin announced plans to build something different from the typical suburban office park; a mixed-use neighborhood designed to stay active throughout the day and into the evening. Their plan called for more than 750,000 square feet of office space, along with restaurants, shops, apartments, and a hotel.
Construction started in 2018, and by 2019, the first phase was open. Since then, the site has continued to evolve, attracting well-known brands and introducing options you won’t find elsewhere in Williamson County.
Exploring McEwen Northside
Today, McEwen Northside is home to a growing collection of businesses and residents. The district was planned so you can park once and explore on foot, whether you’re headed to lunch, shopping, a fitness class, or an evening out. Free parking is available in several multilevel garages throughout the property, and street parking is also offered throughout the complex.
Once you’re parked, wide sidewalks and pedestrian crossings connect each part of the development. It’s easy to move between restaurants, shops, offices, and the central green space designed for community gatherings, outdoor concerts, and seasonal events. In addition, many of the buildings have patios and outdoor seating that encourage people to spend time outside.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick errand, meeting friends for dinner, or spending the afternoon shopping, the thoughtful design makes McEwen Northside feel more like a neighborhood destination than a typical shopping center.
Where to Eat at McEwen Northside: Restaurants, Cafes, and Sweet Treats in Franklin
McEwen Northside’s restaurants offer options for every occasion, from quick bites and casual lunches to special dinners and desserts. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill is known for steaks and seafood, while North Italia serves pasta and pizzas in a modern setting. Shake Shack has quickly become a popular stop for burgers and shakes. If you’re in the mood for tacos, Condado Tacos serves creative combos and build-your-own options, and Blue Sushi Sake Grill brings a variety of sushi and Japanese dishes.
Several spots are great for a quick bite or a coffee break. Just Love Coffee Café serves specialty coffee drinks along with breakfast and lunch. Radish features fresh salads, grain bowls, and seasonal dishes for a healthy option. Vintage Vine 100 combines a wine bar experience with small plates and a rooftop patio in the heart of the district. Neighbors Franklin is a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant serving drinks and comfort food favorites. For a sweet treat, Tiff’s Treats offers warm cookies, and Jeni’s Ice Creams offers unique small-batch flavors you won’t find at the grocery store.
Shopping at McEwen Northside: Boutiques, Jewelry, and Apparel in Franklin, TN
There’s also a mix of shops and services that cater to daily needs and personal style. Fink’s Jewelers offers fine jewelry and luxury watches, with a selection that includes engagement rings, custom pieces, and designer collections. Jondie brings women’s clothing, gifts, and accessories in a boutique setting that focuses on styles you won’t always find in larger stores. Gorjana specializes in laid-back, California-inspired jewelry, from layered necklaces to minimalist earrings and bracelets.
For apparel, Vuori carries performance wear designed for comfort and versatility, perfect for workouts or everyday wear. Warby Parker provides eyewear, sunglasses, and eye exams in a bright, modern storefront where you can browse frames and get prescriptions filled. The variety of retailers makes it easy to shop for special occasions, update your wardrobe, or pick up something useful while you’re already in the district for dining or errands.
Health, Beauty, and Fitness at McEwen Northside: Wellness in Franklin, TN
McEwen Northside makes wellness and personal care easy to access without leaving the district. Scissors & Scotch offers barbering, shaves, spa services, and a full bar serving craft cocktails, whiskey, and beer in a relaxed lounge setting. Skin Co+ by aw provides advanced skincare treatments, IV hydration, and wellness services overseen by medical professionals. Viva Nail Spa is a full-service salon specializing in manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, and waxing. Skin Laundry, which opened its first Tennessee location here, focuses on medical-grade laser and resurfacing facials developed by dermatologists.
For fitness, Club Pilates hosts reformer-based group classes for all experience levels, and Rumble Boxing brings high-energy workouts that combine boxing, HIIT, and resistance training in a music-driven environment.
Together, these businesses make McEwen Northside a place where you can fit in self-care, fitness, and personal grooming as part of your daily routine.
Office Space at McEwen Northside: Modern Workplaces in Cool Springs
McEwen Northside isn’t just about dining and shopping. Several companies have already moved their offices here, including Mitsubishi Motors’ North American headquarters. Other tenants include professional services firms, creative agencies, and healthcare-related companies, all drawn by the modern design and central location.
Office tenants have access to flexible floor plans and built-in amenities like structured parking, conference facilities, and outdoor seating areas. Being in the same development as restaurants, fitness studios, and shops means employees can easily walk to lunch meetings, appointments, or after-work gatherings without leaving the property.
The upcoming addition of Block E will further expand the district’s office capacity, making McEwen Northside one of Cool Springs’ largest clusters of Class A workspace.
McEwen Northside Apartments: Live in Franklin’s Walkable District
For people who want to live close to work and shopping, McEwen Northside Apartments offer a range of layouts from studios to three-bedroom homes. Amenities include a pool, fitness center, sauna, and a resident lounge with a coffee bar. Leasing began in the first phase several years ago, and more apartments have become available as construction has continued.
In addition to on-site amenities, residents can join the McEwen Northside Resident VIP Program, which provides discounts and special offers at participating restaurants, shops, and services throughout the district.
Events and Green Space: Central Park at McEwen Northside Franklin
Walkability has been a major focus at McEwen Northside. Wide sidewalks, outdoor seating, and small green spaces tie everything together. Central Park, also known as McEwen Northside Park, is the lawn in the middle of the development and is used for events, outdoor workouts, and community gatherings. During the summer, it hosts Music on the Lawn, a free concert series held on Thursday evenings. The park also features Fitness in the Park, offering group exercise classes and wellness activities throughout the season. Visitors are encouraged to pick up food or drinks from nearby restaurants and enjoy the open-air setting, whether they are attending an event or simply relaxing in the park.
Stay at McEwen Northside: SpringHill Suites Hotel in Franklin, TN
McEwen Northside also includes SpringHill Suites by Marriott, offering accommodations for business travelers and visitors. The hotel features all-suite rooms designed for longer stays or quick overnight trips. Guests have access to complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, meeting spaces, and an outdoor pool with a bar. The property is within easy walking distance of the district’s restaurants and shops, making it simple to relax or explore between meetings and events.
What’s Next for McEwen Northside
Even with all that’s open today, McEwen Northside is still growing. The biggest addition on the way is Block E, a nine-story building expected to open in 2025. This project will bring even more office space to the district, along with ground-floor restaurants and retail that will add to the dining and shopping options already on site.
Some tenants have already signed on for Block E, including Oak Hall, a family-owned clothing retailer founded in 1859, known for high-quality men’s and women’s apparel. Additional retail and restaurant leases are in progress as the project nears completion, with announcements expected closer to the opening date.
Once it’s complete, Block E will be the tallest structure in McEwen Northside and one of the largest new office buildings in Cool Springs. As more tenants move in, Block E will help bring even more activity to the area throughout the workweek and into evenings and weekends.
Shaping the Future of Dining, Shopping, and Working in Franklin, TN
Developments like McEwen Northside mark a shift in how suburban areas are growing. In the past, most commercial buildings in Cool Springs were designed for daytime office use, then emptied out after 5 pm. This district aims to do the opposite by creating a space that stays active into the evening, with restaurants, events, and people living nearby.
For Franklin residents, it means there are more dining and shopping choices without driving into Nashville. For companies, it offers a location that combines professional space with amenities that help attract employees. And for visitors, it provides a destination to spend a few hours, whether you’re coming for a meal, shopping, or just to walk around.
Visit McEwen Northside in Franklin, TN
McEwen Northside is located at 4031 Aspen Grove Drive, Franklin, TN 37067. The district offers free parking on-street and in several garages.
Hours vary by business, but most restaurants open by lunchtime and stay open into the evening. Weekends often bring extra activity, including pop-up events, seasonal programming, and live music in the green space.
As the district continues to grow, it’s likely to become an even larger part of daily life in Franklin. Whether you’re stopping by to try a new restaurant, shop for clothes, attend an outdoor concert, or explore housing options, McEwen Northside offers a place to do it all in one location. To see the latest updates, tenant directory, and event calendar, visit mcewennorthside.com.
