Your Guide to The Factory at Franklin
The Factory at Franklin is a hub for beloved local businesses and performance venues. This shopping and entertainment complex has been around for nearly a century and has worn many different hats. Now housing stores, restaurants and countless live performances, The Factory has proven to be a staple in the Franklin community. Keep reading to learn more about this unique venue’s past, present, and future.
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The Creation of The Factory
While we love it for its local goods, restaurants, and performances, The Factory actually has a very rich history. It was built in 1929 and served as an actual factory for businesses such as Dortch Stove Works, Magic Chef, and the Jamison Bedding Company until the property was purchased by local developer Calvin Lehew in 1996. Lehew renovated this factory while keeping much of the original architecture, creating The Factory that we all know and love. The Factory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 and has been a local treasure of shops, studios, restaurants, offices, and entertainment ever since.
The Future of The Factory
The Factory was recently purchased by Holladay Properties for $56 million in 2021. The new owners have been investing even more into the venue, with plans of turning the space into a community of plazas, green spaces, and outdoor seating along with the already existing shops, restaurants, and venues. The focal point of this renovation will be a bar located in the Grand Hall of The Factory with a glass design as well as greenery and new furnishings to encourage an environment for socializing and relaxation. Holladay Properties will also be opening up the space to expose the bones of the 10 buildings that make up this historical property and adding more space for new tenants. Construction on this project is expected to finish in early 2023.
The local stores at this venue offer guests a variety of goods and services. Specialty shops, schools, studios, performance venues, and boutiques alike have all found a home within The Factory walls.
Amelia’s Flowers offers freshly picked and healthy flowers, ensuring a long-lasting bloom.
CR-71 is a one-of-a-kind furniture store with a mix of reclaimed furniture and up-cycled home decor.
Dark Horse Institute is a school for audio engineering and music business that provides hands-on courses as well as award-winning teachers.
Fork of the South is a southern-inspired general store partnering with over 85 small businesses to bring you special handcrafted items and provisions.
The Franklin Farmers Market occurs every Saturday morning and offers local produce and baked goods as well as handcrafted artisan pieces.
Jeremy Cowart Photography is the studio of renowned photographer and entrepreneur Jeremy Cowart.
Judith Bright offers local, handmade artisanal jewelry.
Luna Record Shop is a sister-owned shop with vinyl records, cassettes, and gifts.
Made in Tennessee is a gift shop that only sells items designed and crafted in Tennessee.
Nature’s Art offers home and garden decor inspired by nature.
Stonebridge Art Gallery supplies custom framing as well as affordable paintings from all around the world.
Story House Collective provides brand management, content creation, product development, and fan engagement for artists.
Studio Tenn is a professional theatre company that brings classics to life and provides innovative educational programs.
Tala Jeweler offers full-service repair on jewelry and carries a unique selection of handcrafted pieces.
The Blockhouse is a men’s barbershop and bar.
The Find is a clothing boutique offering curated secondhand and vintage clothing.
The Mockingbird Theater is a venue for special events and live music with a full bar.
Third Coast Clay is a pottery studio where you can paint your own pieces.
Times Past and Present is an eclectic shop that carries unique gifts, decor, clothing and more.
The Factory’s restaurants provide food options ranging from refreshing juices and coffees to baked goods and unique cuisine. These spots are the perfect antidote for post-shopping hunger.
Five Daughters Bakery offers baked goods made fresh daily with locally-sourced, organic ingredients.
Franklin Juice Co. uses certified organic ingredients to make their cold-pressed juices and acai bowls.
Honest Coffee Roasters is a coffee roasting company and cafe that sells premium brews and coffee beans.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams sells artisan ice cream with unique flavors and high-quality ingredients.
MAFIAoZA’S Pizzeria & Neighborhood Pub is a 1920’s New York-style restaurant with authentic Italian options and an Old and New World wine list.
Mojo’s Tacos is a Mexican restaurant and bar with a “Tennessee twist”.
About Holladay Properties
Holladay Properties is a full-scale land development, design/build, and fully integrated real estate company, as well as one of the largest medical office management firms in the country with over 30 offices throughout the eastern half of the United States. Holladay has developed over 20 million square feet of commercial space valued at over $2 billion, and actively manages more than 10.6 million square feet of office, industrial, retail, multi-family, hotel, and healthcare space. To find out more, visit www.HolladayProperties.com.
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