The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County received approval for their contract to purchase the Old, Old Jail on Bridge Street. The goal is to restore it to its 1941 Art Deco appearance, but use it as office space. The deal is awaiting the final environmental survey results on the property before revitalization can commence.
“This building has been at the top of downtown Franklin’s most endangered list for years, and this is one of the key reasons why the Heritage Foundation exists: we restore old buildings that others might think would be better off torn down,” said Cyril Stewart, the Foundation’s Board President. “That was certainly the case with the Franklin Theatre, but with that project under our belt we feel that we are well positioned to take this on.” Stewart is a licensed architect and believes the structure is sound and will need some environmental remediation but that the opportunity to restore it was too good to pass up.
“With our current home at the Historic Five Points Post Office being restored by FirstBank soon, this is a chance to save two historic treasures while creating an office space that will serve the Heritage Foundation well into the future,” Stewart explained. “And with major development plans on the horizon for the Bridge Street corridor, we believe we can be a part of the revitalization of the entire north side of downtown Franklin.” Executive Director for the Heritage Foundation, Mary Pearce said she expects the total cost of the project to be around $1.5 million.
