What’s New and Improved in Williamson County – Part II

Weekly Series Part 2: Franklin’s Charge and Darrell Waltrip have big News for Williamson County

The Civil War Trust (CWT) & Franklin’s Charge and Darrell Waltrip Automotive  Group both announced big news last week. CWT and Franklin’s Charge made history by securing the Domino’s strip center. Fundraising totaling more than $3.2 million during a three year campaign over multiple parcels leaves only $67,000 in pledges left until the property is owned by the battlefield preservation organization.

“Ten years ago, we named this one of the most endangered battlefields in America, and demanded that Franklin stop paving over its history,” said Jim Lighthizer, President of the Civil War Trust. “Now we offer Franklin up as a national example of what can be done when a community is willing to make protection and appreciation of its history a priority. Franklin’s Charge came together around the need, and what’s been accomplished is truly unprecedented.”

By the Sesquicentennial of the Battle of Franklin in November of 2014, the Carter Cotton Gin Park will be open to the public. The Domino’s strip center property is being purchased through a federally funded Enhancement Grant administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, along with funds from the CWT’s fundraising and local efforts by Franklin’s Charge.

“The City of Franklin is nationally recognized for its work to preserve and restore sections of the Battle of Franklin battlefield, and this property will help provide new details of the battle,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “I’m pleased TDOT is able to assist with securing this historic site.” For more information, visit www.franklinscharge.com or call Stacey Watson, 595-0636. For more information on the Civil War Trust, please visit www.civilwar.org. And to see our video coverage of the announcement follow this link here.

Darrell-waltrip-Auto-AwardsDarrell Waltrip Automotive Group announced Home Town Heroes and the expansion of Buick, GMC and a Collision Center. After referring more than 50 customers to other repair shops the decision was made to expand with the new collision center. Construction should be complete in 2013. The Buick, GMC showroom and service center will be 28,000 square feet including 20 service bays and a 4-car showroom. The Collision Center will be 30,000 square feet with a car rental office for customer convenience as well as 32 prep and work bays. Both buildings will be constructed on the same campus at the existing Honda, Volvo & Subaru showrooms on Murfreesboro Road/Highway 96 in Franklin.

“It’s no secret that I love calling Franklin home”, said Darrell Waltrip.  “I couldn’t be more proud to be expanding our automotive group’s family to including a collision center & Buick, GMC and the 75 jobs we’re going to be able to add is icing on the cake.” Amidst the construction, the Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group will have a total of six product launches this year and are celebrating their 13th Honda President’s Award–an award for outstanding customer service given to the top performing 15% of all Honda dealers in the country.