NAI Nashville Stanton Group has officially broken ground on one of Middle Tennessee’s most anticipated real estate projects: a $165 million mixed use community known as The Margin District. Located in the heart of downtown Franklin, just a short drive south of Nashville, this high profile development will combine luxury living, boutique retail, and modern office space into a walkable, architecturally blended destination.
Rendering Courtesy of NAI Nashville Stanton Group
The ambitious plan reflects a continued push to meet growing demand for upscale housing and mixed use environments in Williamson County, one of the fastest growing and most affluent regions in the state.
The Margin District will rise at the corner of Margin Street and Columbia Avenue, a key gateway to downtown Franklin. When complete, the development will span 180,000 square feet and serve as a modern but context sensitive addition to the historic district.
Despite being just outside of Franklin’s official Historic Preservation Overlay District, the developers have committed to respecting the area’s architectural character. With influences drawn from early American craftsmanship and Southern heritage design, The Margin District will aim to look timeless from day one.
The project is set to include
25 luxury homes
50,000 square feet of retail space
Class A office space with flexible floor plans
Community courtyards and pedestrian friendly landscaping
Custom signage and facade details designed to complement surrounding properties
The residential portion will offer high end single family homes, designed to appeal to professionals, empty nesters, and relocation buyers seeking both quality and proximity to downtown Franklin’s restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks.
Retail leasing has already begun, with plans to attract a mix of curated boutiques, chef driven restaurants, wellness brands, and local services that align with Franklin’s reputation as a stylish yet relaxed destination.
The office component will feature modern workspaces designed to accommodate both small businesses and established firms looking to anchor in the suburban core of the Nashville metro area.
To ensure the project feels like a natural extension of historic Franklin rather than an intrusive newcomer, the development team has brought in a collaboration of seasoned design professionals.
Studio 8 Design, based in Nashville, is serving as the architect of record
Nequette Architecture and Design, based in Birmingham, Alabama, is leading the design vision
American Constructors has been named general contractor
The team’s goal is to blend new construction with historic style cues. Elements such as stepped rooflines, authentic brick, large paned windows, antiqued brass hardware, ironwork, and hand crafted millwork are being incorporated to reflect the timeless charm of Franklin.
Sidewalks, lighting, and green space will also be tailored to promote walkability and community gathering.
Franklin has seen a surge in both residential and commercial development in recent years, spurred by Nashville’s explosive population growth, corporate relocations, and rising demand for suburban walkable districts. The Margin District is one of several projects aiming to capture that momentum while preserving the small town feel that continues to make downtown Franklin a unique place to live and work.
With its location just outside the city’s strictest architectural overlay zone, the developers had some flexibility on design but chose to maintain high aesthetic standards. This conscious decision is expected to help ensure the development gains acceptance from residents and civic leaders who are protective of Franklin’s historic identity.
Construction on The Margin District is already underway, with an anticipated completion date in 2027. Retail and office leasing are currently active, with early interest from regional retailers, specialty coffee shops, creative agencies, and boutique fitness concepts.
Residential sales activity is expected to begin as construction progresses, with model home renderings and floor plans set to be released in upcoming phases. Given the location and scarcity of new development in the downtown core, the homes are expected to generate significant interest from buyers seeking lifestyle convenience without compromising on design quality.
The Margin District represents more than just a real estate venture. It is a carefully curated project designed to bridge old and new, offering a blend of commerce, community, and residential charm in one of the most desirable pockets of Middle Tennessee.
As Franklin continues to evolve, developments like this will play a key role in shaping its future while honoring its past. With top tier architecture, strategic location, and thoughtful execution, The Margin District is poised to become one of the most talked about projects in the Nashville region.