FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Shops are shutting down along Franklin's historic Main Street. Some residents said they are worried, but officials said there is no need to panic.
Franklin's Main Street has stood the test of time. Now it's being tested with transition as several businesses move to new locations.
"No need to be concerned about downtown Franklin right now. There is some movement, but we have a lot of new things coming in," said Nancy Williams with the Downtown Franklin Association.
Franklin-native Ryan Pruitt plans to open a Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse in the former parsonage behind the Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church.
"I have wanted to open up something in downtown Franklin, mainly just because of the homecoming story, and I know it would work down here," Pruitt said.
He plans to convert the 100-year old home into a popular restaurant, for day and night customers.
"I think what's happening in downtown Franklin is exciting, especially in the nightlife real," he added.
But it's not just new businesses coming to historic Franklin. They are also getting new park benches and bricks along the sidewalk as part of the city's streetscape improvement plan along Columbia Avenue. They also plant to do it along Hillsboro Road.
Kelly Spalding opened her interior decor store just beyond the new taxpayer paid-for streetscape on Columbia Avenue near downtown.
"I really think it's a vital part. If you want to expand your downtown footprint, expanding the streetscape is really important," Spalding said.
"And that made a huge turnaround on that south side of Main Street. So we expect the same thing to happen on the north side with Hillsboro Road," Pruitt concluded.
As other businesses along Main Street open later this summer, occupancy will be near 100-percent on the street.
The Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse is expected to open sometime this fall.
