When you first walk into The Factory at Franklin, you can feel the history of the building (and the buzz). For 100 years, this space has been transformed from a stove manufacturing plant into a vibrant gathering place that has been affectionately referenced as “Franklin’s living room.” Today, locals and visitors alike come to watch a Broadway-style play, browse one-of-a-kind boutiques, enjoy a casual lunch, or settle in with a cup of coffee and get some work done. Every visit to The Factory feels different and can span from a family ice-cream outing, a corporate conference, a dinner-and-show date night, or even a wedding.
A Century of History
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The Factory was originally built in 1929 by the Allen Manufacturing Company to produce stoves. At the height of the Great Depression, Allen Manufacturing went bankrupt and Dortch Stove Works took over, continuing stove production for heating and cooking. In the mid-1950s, the facility became part of Magic Chef, and later it was used by Jamison Bedding and Furniture. By the 1980s, much of U.S. manufacturing had moved overseas, and the factory became dormant until a group of local residents recognized its potential in the late 1990s. In 2022, Holladay Properties began renovations, assuming ownership of the beloved building we know and adore today.
Walking through the building now, it is easy to imagine its industrial past. The long, open spaces were once filled with the sounds of assembly lines, clanging metal, and the steady rhythm of workers performing their tasks. The air would have been smoky and oily, a sharp contrast to the scent of boutique fragrances and fresh food that welcome visitors today.
Preservation & Reinvention
The revitalization of The Factory was guided by a careful balance of preservation and reinvention. The red brick walls, large factory windows, and timber construction were preserved, while other spaces were adapted to meet modern needs. A state-of-the-art theater, an intimate concert venue, and dozens of restaurants and shops were developed inside. You can create pottery, take a yoga class, hunt for vintage treasures, or shop for a brand-new outfit, all while stopping for fuel at restaurants like etch or Saffire.
A Carousel of Dreams
The most unique spot at The Factory is the hand-carved wooden carousel that artist Ken Means crafted over the course of 35 years. Ken originally kept a studio at The Factory, where each animal was carefully carved and painted by hand with the hope that one day it would become part of a working carousel for his grandchildren.
Today, Ken’s dream lives on, with the whimsical carousel serving as the centerpiece of the campus. Fun fact, it is the first hand-carved carousel produced by one person in over one hundred years. Like the building itself, it represents years of dedication and transformation, evolving from a simple studio project into a full-fledged carousel. Children squeal with excitement as they choose their animal, and adults can’t help but reconnect with their inner child as they climb aboard. Yes—there is no age limit to enjoy a ride!
Looking Ahead
The Factory will continue to evolve with plans for a boutique hotel, more parking, and additional amenities that will expand its role as a prime destination in Franklin. The campus will offer new experiences for visitors, while still honoring its industrial heritage and the architectural features that make it unique.
By preserving its history while supporting contemporary experiences, The Factory has become a space where generations connect and memories are made. It is, in every sense, Franklin’s living room.
