Check Out the New Developments in Williamson County, TN
Williamson County’s growth track remains on an upward trajectory. There are several major new developments in Williamson County that are reshaping its communities.
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A Bevy of New Developments in Williamson County
One of those projects is The Factory at Franklin. The Factory is a multiuse destination center that houses many retail, restaurant and entertainment businesses in 300,000 square feet of space.
In 2021, Nashville-based Holladay Properties purchased The Factory for $56 million and immediately began tackling a large renovation project of the entire complex.
“Most renovations should be complete by the end of 2024, and we should have about 80 tenant businesses at that time,” says Allen Arender, The Factory at Franklin managing partner.
Current tenants at The Factory include Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Third Coast Clay, Mojo’s Tacos, Five Daughters Bakery, Tala Jeweler, Hattie B’s, The White Alligator, Saffire, Ground Floor Yoga and Otaku Ramen. The complex includes the Liberty Hall event space and Turner Theater (formerly Jamison Theater).
“The Factory is at an excellent location at Franklin Road and Liberty Pike, a couple blocks from downtown Main Street Franklin and across from Harlinsdale Farm,” Arender says. “There is a new energy and life at The Factory. Visitors can enjoy several unique businesses and experiences.”
New Communities Springing Up Around the Region
In nearby Nolensville, the 372-acre master-planned Storyvale community will be developed at the southwest corner of McFarlin and Fly roads. The community will feature 700 homes of various sizes and styles along with 160 acres devoted to parks and open spaces.
Home sales at Storyvale are expected to begin in early 2025. The expansive development will also include a village center with 15,000 square feet intended for restaurants and retail. A portion of the land is also designated for a future elementary school.
Another major project under construction is in Spring Hill. June Lake, a community expected to be in development for the next 20 years, will ultimately have about 2,900 homes, 3.9 million square feet of office space and 1.3 million square feet of retail and restaurant space.
The venture will also include hotels and a greenway walking system with an 11-acre public lake. To better access June Lake, an interchange along Interstate 65 opened in June 2024 at Exit 55.
Acreage Still Available
Other major developments taking shape in the county include Ovation, located along East McEwen Drive in Franklin. The project will include a signature 12-story office building along with two hotels, retail shops and restaurants.
Also in Franklin is a mixed-use development called Aureum located on 22 acres in the city’s Cool Springs district. The $500 million project will include homes, apartments, offices, stores, restaurants, two hotels, entertainment venues and 5 acres of parks and trails at the southwest corner of Carothers Parkway and McEwen Drive.
Someone who has seen major changes in Williamson County over the years is Rogers Anderson, who has been county mayor since 2002.
“There are always infrastructure challenges with growth, but smart land plans and savvy zoning are in place to accommodate further residential and commercial expansion in our six thriving cities and the county itself,” Anderson says. “We still have a large amount of acreage available for growth, including plenty of room for businesses to expand or move here.”
Why Develop in Williamson County?
Nathan Zipper, chief economic development officer at Williamson, Inc., says developers target Williamson County for residential, commercial and mixed-use endeavors for several reasons.
“The county offers a low cost of doing business, and talent for companies is readily available,” Zipper says. “About 60% of adult residents in Williamson County have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, so it’s a highly educated workforce.”
High test scores consistently achieved by students in the Williamson County Schools and Franklin Special School District systems is a key attraction for companies and families moving into the region, he says.
“Our economic development foundation is built upon the success of our school systems,” Zipper says. Williamson, Inc. has a staff meeting every Monday to talk about economic development and other important issues, and representatives from both districts are at that meeting.
Get to Know Williamson County
Want to learn more about living and working in Williamson County, TN? Check out the latest edition of Livability Williamson County, Tennessee.