The City of Franklin celebrated a major construction milestone with the Topping Out Ceremony for its new City Hall. The topping out ceremony in construction represents the placement of the final structural steel beam at the highest point of a building. The beam for Franklin’s City Hall was signed by city officials, construction crews, and members of the public before being set in place to mark this moment in Franklin’s history.
Shown for context only.
The new City Hall is a transformative, seven-component redevelopment of the Public Square block that will serve the citizens of Franklin for generations. The project includes a purpose-built civic building housing approximately 250 employees and multiple public meeting spaces, commercial tenant spaces along 3rd Avenue South, an enlarged plaza on the Square with a pedestrian promenade and full ADA accessibility.
There will be a one-acre public park with a fountain, seating, gardens, and shade trees, and a subgrade parking garage with 200 spaces. Streetscape improvements include upgraded utilities on both sides of 3rd Avenue with wider sidewalks and street trees, and expanded public restrooms serving downtown Franklin.
Skanska brings extensive experience in complex historic renovation projects, approaching each effort with sensitivity to context and a commitment to blending historic character with modern functionality.
“Working in the middle of downtown Franklin means every inch of the site matters, and there is always interest and curiosity from the public on our progress,” says Sam Till, senior superintendent with Skanska USA Building. “We’ve planned our logistics thoughtfully, from material deliveries to crane movement, to keep the project moving without disrupting surrounding businesses and traffic. Although it’s a tight site, our teams have done a great job working safely, staying organized, and moving forward.”
Skanska began its partnership with the City of Franklin last year to deliver a new, purpose‑built City Hall at the heart of its downtown. The project team proceeded with a clear vision: create a building that serves, welcomes, and represents the community — both today and for the future
The project scope involves fully demolishing the old structure and rebuilding a modern facility that includes expanded government office space, public meeting rooms, outdoor plazas, green space, and public art. Demolition began in summer 2025. The project team includes Studio Eight Design/ OHM Advisors, Genesis Engineering Group, and STV Inc.
Kimbrough continues, “By remaining on the Historic Public Square, the new City Hall strengthens its connection to Franklin’s civic heart, with welcoming spaces, enduring materials, and a renewed sense of identity that reflects both where the city has been and where it’s going.”
For decades, Franklin’s City Hall operated out of a repurposed 1970s shopping mall on the historic Public Square. Long before the mall was constructed, the site supported a remarkably diverse mix of uses: stables and buggy repair shops, an auction barn, a grocery store, and even early automotive services. Those original buildings helped define the character of downtown Franklin — brick façades, generous arched openings, and craftsmanship rooted in local tradition.
The new City Hall comes at a pivotal moment in Franklin’s evolution. As the city experiences substantial job growth and attracts major employers, the community is updating its urban growth plan to accommodate new development while preserving its historic character. This civic project reflects those priorities. Through thoughtful design and deep community collaboration, the new City Hall will serve as a timeless, welcoming, and future‑ready centerpiece for a rapidly growing Franklin. The new City Hall building is slated to open in 2027.
Be sure to subscribe for more on this and Other Developments In & Around Nashville!
