Dream Home giveaway sets fundraising record
Clarksville winner plans to keep Westhaven home
The Tennessean• June 27, 2008
FRANKLIN —A Clarksville man won a $650,000 home in Westhaven on Sunday, helping Southern Land Co. and media partners WZTV-Channel 17 and WSIX-FM raise $1.6 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a new fundraising record.
This is the fourth year that St. Jude has operated a campaign in Middle Tennessee and the fourth year that a Westhaven home has been the grand prize. According to a press release from the Memphis hospital, the volunteers' and community sponsors' participation and amount of money raised are unprecedented on a national scale.
"Middle Tennessee was the only campaign in the nation with a goal this high," said Katie Mizell, Middle Tennessee's St. Jude representative. "The people who participated in this campaign — whether volunteers, vendors or ticket buyers — should be extremely proud of this exceptional effort. We look forward to many great years to come."
David Tarrents was the grand-prize winner of the home. He and his wife, Julie, used adjectives like "amazing" and "spectacular" to describe the 3,871-square-foot home with four bedrooms and 3½ baths.
David was born in Portland, Tenn., and has lived in Clarksville for 50 years. He is a computer systems analyst for Johnson Electric Co. in Springfield. He has two children and has been married to Julie for 30 years.
David is about four years away from retirement. Julie is the manager of the US Bank branch on Fort Campbell Boulevard. The couple agrees that a move to Franklin may be on the horizon.
"We're going to try to keep the house. We won't be commuting from Nashville to Clarksville, but once we know all the details, we just might move on down there," Julie Tarrents said.
The Tarrentses have supported St. Jude by purchasing tickets for several years.
Winners of 2008 St. Jude Dream Home prizes
Grand-prize winner:
David Tarrents — St. Jude Dream Home house in Westhaven, valued at more than $650,000
Other prizes:
Ed Shirley — (Early Bird #1 – Feb. 22): Guitar autographed by Amy Grant and Vince Gill
Leon Denton — (Early Bird #2 – April 15): $2,500 worth of groceries, courtesy of Stites and Harbison
Karen Larson — (Open House Prize #1): $5,000 worth of furniture, courtesy of American Signature Furniture
Teresa DeMoss — (Open House Prize #2) - $250 gift card to Home Depot, courtesy of Churchill Mortgage
Maria Abercrombie — (Open House Prize #3) - $1,100 Superb natural gas grill, courtesy of the Hearth and Grill Shop
Roxane McGowan — Amy Grant and Vince Gill autographed guitar, courtesy of Blanton, Harrell, Cooke & Corzine
Lisa Rinehert — Denon Surround Sound Receiver, courtesy of SpringTree Media
Josh Gunnels — His and Her watches, courtesy of Crown Jewelry and Gifts
Jeff Bridges — $1,000 American Express Gift Card
Dave Toman — $1,000 gift certificate, courtesy of Trees N Trends
Larisa Hensiek — Clearwire PC Card and one-year service, courtesy of Clearwire
Streater Spencer — $1,000 gift certificate, courtesy of Legends Steakhouse
Paulette Wassel — $1,000 American Express Gift Card
Ricky Medley — 1 Lifestyle Portrait Session and 1 16x24 gallery-wrap canvas print, courtesy of McLellan Studio
Sandra Arnold — $1,000 gift certificate for glass mirrors, tabletops or shower doors, courtesy of Evans Glass
Pam Fusting — $1,000 American Express gift card, courtesy of Lincoln-Mercury dealers
Dessie Otay — $1,000 gift card, courtesy of The Factory at Franklin
Ronald and Tammy Veirs — $1,000 gift certificate toward any original oil paintings and framing, courtesy of Art Attack Nashville
Ruby Hillsman Holloway — $1,500 American Express Gift Card, courtesy of Lockton Companies
Charolette Fleming — Front-load Whirlpool washing machine and dryer, courtesy of Ferguson Enterprises
Sherry Rogers — Two Masters Series tickets, courtesy of the Nashville Symphony
Celia Toombs — Game table set, courtesy of Legacy Billiards
Amy Wilson — Outdoor play system or aboveground pool package, courtesy of Watson's
Floyd Freeman — Spa and home fitness package, courtesy of Watson's
Debra Meador — Hitachi 50-inch HD plasma TV, courtesy of Audio Video Environments
News, interests, info and tips about the Real Estate Market in Middle Tennessee. Our Focus is the Nashville area, both Williamson and Davidson County and the surrounding areas of Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Thompson's Station, Hendersonville, Leipers Fork, Belle Meade, Nolensville, the Cool Springs area and the Vanderbilt area
June 27, 2008
June 19, 2008
A step closer to a Civil War Park in Franklin
Franklin’s Charge To Create Civil War Park
The Tennessean• June 19, 2008
FRANKLIN — Civil War preservation group Franklin’s Charge will purchase a one-acre piece of property at 1219 Columbia Avenue for $950,000 with private funds.
The land adjacent to 4 Star Market & Beauty Supply and La Villa Market was part of the fiercest fighting during the Battle of Franklin in 1864, said Franklin’s Charge president Ernie Bacon.
“This is a significant puzzle piece which will bring us closer to having a Civil War battlefield park,” he said.Plans include moving out the two-story beige house currently on the property, which was an office for Kenneth Holt Construction Co., to create open space for the park. The site sits diagonally across the street from the Carter House and is adjacent to the Carter Cotton Gin site, which is owned by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.Back in 2005, the city purchased land where a former Pizza Hut restaurant stood that they tore down to create a small park that's near the new purchase.
The Tennessean• June 19, 2008
FRANKLIN — Civil War preservation group Franklin’s Charge will purchase a one-acre piece of property at 1219 Columbia Avenue for $950,000 with private funds.
The land adjacent to 4 Star Market & Beauty Supply and La Villa Market was part of the fiercest fighting during the Battle of Franklin in 1864, said Franklin’s Charge president Ernie Bacon.
“This is a significant puzzle piece which will bring us closer to having a Civil War battlefield park,” he said.Plans include moving out the two-story beige house currently on the property, which was an office for Kenneth Holt Construction Co., to create open space for the park. The site sits diagonally across the street from the Carter House and is adjacent to the Carter Cotton Gin site, which is owned by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.Back in 2005, the city purchased land where a former Pizza Hut restaurant stood that they tore down to create a small park that's near the new purchase.
Franklin’s Charge To Create Civil War Park
The Tennessean• June 19, 2008
FRANKLIN — Civil War preservation group Franklin’s Charge will purchase a one-acre piece of property at 1219 Columbia Avenue for $950,000 with private funds.
The land adjacent to 4 Star Market & Beauty Supply and La Villa Market was part of the fiercest fighting during the Battle of Franklin in 1864, said Franklin’s Charge president Ernie Bacon.
“This is a significant puzzle piece which will bring us closer to having a Civil War battlefield park,” he said.Plans include moving out the two-story beige house currently on the property, which was an office for Kenneth Holt Construction Co., to create open space for the park. The site sits diagonally across the street from the Carter House and is adjacent to the Carter Cotton Gin site, which is owned by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.Back in 2005, the city purchased land where a former Pizza Hut restaurant stood that they tore down to create a small park that's near the new purchase.
The Tennessean• June 19, 2008
FRANKLIN — Civil War preservation group Franklin’s Charge will purchase a one-acre piece of property at 1219 Columbia Avenue for $950,000 with private funds.
The land adjacent to 4 Star Market & Beauty Supply and La Villa Market was part of the fiercest fighting during the Battle of Franklin in 1864, said Franklin’s Charge president Ernie Bacon.
“This is a significant puzzle piece which will bring us closer to having a Civil War battlefield park,” he said.Plans include moving out the two-story beige house currently on the property, which was an office for Kenneth Holt Construction Co., to create open space for the park. The site sits diagonally across the street from the Carter House and is adjacent to the Carter Cotton Gin site, which is owned by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.Back in 2005, the city purchased land where a former Pizza Hut restaurant stood that they tore down to create a small park that's near the new purchase.
Franklin Theatre Architecture Firm Announced
Architecture firm chosen for Franklin Theatre project
The Tennessean• June 18, 2008
FRANKLIN -- Nashville-based Hastings Architectural Associates has been chosen as the architectural firm to renovate the Franklin Theatre.
The firm was chosen from three firms competing for the $7 million project and was chosen by the theater’s owners, the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.
“We are now in a position to select a construction firm to do the work,” said Jay Franks, a member of the theater construction committee in a prepared statement.
Hastings was founded in 1985 and has 37 full time professionals including 14 LEED accredited professionals. The firm recently had extensive involvement in the design of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Westlake Reed Leskosky projects include the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center in Pennsylvania and the Tennessee and Bijou Theatres in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Hastings architects will oversee architecture and interior design while engineers from Westlake Reed Leskosky will oversee mechanical, plumbing engineering, and electrical engineering. Westlake Reed Leskosky will also work with Hastings as the specialty consultants for the theatre planning and theatre technical, audio and visual, theatrical and custom lighting and acoustical consulting.Renovation work will include renovating the main theater building as well as an adjacent building that was used as a small theater.When complete, the theater will be a multi-use entertainment facility for film, performances and events, officials said.
The Tennessean• June 18, 2008
FRANKLIN -- Nashville-based Hastings Architectural Associates has been chosen as the architectural firm to renovate the Franklin Theatre.
The firm was chosen from three firms competing for the $7 million project and was chosen by the theater’s owners, the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.
“We are now in a position to select a construction firm to do the work,” said Jay Franks, a member of the theater construction committee in a prepared statement.
Hastings was founded in 1985 and has 37 full time professionals including 14 LEED accredited professionals. The firm recently had extensive involvement in the design of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Westlake Reed Leskosky projects include the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center in Pennsylvania and the Tennessee and Bijou Theatres in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Hastings architects will oversee architecture and interior design while engineers from Westlake Reed Leskosky will oversee mechanical, plumbing engineering, and electrical engineering. Westlake Reed Leskosky will also work with Hastings as the specialty consultants for the theatre planning and theatre technical, audio and visual, theatrical and custom lighting and acoustical consulting.Renovation work will include renovating the main theater building as well as an adjacent building that was used as a small theater.When complete, the theater will be a multi-use entertainment facility for film, performances and events, officials said.
June 17, 2008
Franklin's $59.5 million budget will be approved Thursday
Franklin mayor wants "bigger picture" view of city's budget.
The Tennessean • June 16, 2008
FRANKLIN — With the final vote on the city’s $59.5 million budget on track for approval Thursday, Mayor John Schroer wants to see changes made in how future budgets are discussed.
Schroer and city aldermen spent several nights during the past few weeks parsing through the hundreds-page long budget and grilling department directors about their requests.
Next year, Schroer said that will likely change.
“I’m not sure if aldermen need to look at every single line time that comes through the budget,” Schroer said. “I think our job is to look at the bigger picture and trying to tie those things together.”
Schroer said he did not expect any changes Thursday night when aldermen take their third and final vote to approve the budget. They meet at 7 p.m. Thursday.As part of the budget, homeowners will see their second consecutive year of increased garbage pickup fees. Those climb from $6 to $9 a month for pickup of the first can. Meanwhile, business owners will see their commercial garbage collection go up as well. Despite fee increases, the city’s property taxes will remain unchanged after nearly two decades of being .43 per $100 of assessed property value.
The Tennessean • June 16, 2008
FRANKLIN — With the final vote on the city’s $59.5 million budget on track for approval Thursday, Mayor John Schroer wants to see changes made in how future budgets are discussed.
Schroer and city aldermen spent several nights during the past few weeks parsing through the hundreds-page long budget and grilling department directors about their requests.
Next year, Schroer said that will likely change.
“I’m not sure if aldermen need to look at every single line time that comes through the budget,” Schroer said. “I think our job is to look at the bigger picture and trying to tie those things together.”
Schroer said he did not expect any changes Thursday night when aldermen take their third and final vote to approve the budget. They meet at 7 p.m. Thursday.As part of the budget, homeowners will see their second consecutive year of increased garbage pickup fees. Those climb from $6 to $9 a month for pickup of the first can. Meanwhile, business owners will see their commercial garbage collection go up as well. Despite fee increases, the city’s property taxes will remain unchanged after nearly two decades of being .43 per $100 of assessed property value.
June 13, 2008
There is Money to be made in today's house market...if you are patient
Expert says to buy now, flip later
Patience plays key role to turnarounds in buyer's market
Williamson A.M. • June 13, 2008
FRANKLIN — As the housing market has cooled, so has the once-hot idea of house flipping, which was a high-wire act even in the days of a sellers' market.
Flipping, for the uninitiated, involves buying a tired house, renovating it and then selling it for — theoretically, at least — a nice profit.
Flips have not, however, disappeared from the local real estate scene. Even a casual check of what's for sale in Franklin will turn up a few examples.
It's just that now more than ever, only the savviest flippers survive.
Some, such as Wayne Evans, are simply laying low. Evans, who owns ProServ and ProNet Residential Services of Franklin, has nine houses that he could try to flip, if he wanted to.
Instead, he is renting them out, waiting for the market to turn back more favorably for sellers.
"I tend to sit on the side of caution," said Evans, who flipped his first house in 1993. A big part of his survival strategy is timing, he said.
"Market timing is key. Knowing when to sell," he said. "It's also knowing what to buy."
Evans believes it's a better time for flippers to invest rather than try to fix and sell. "Now is a good time to buy and, if you can, hold it," he said, adding his belief that prices might become even more favorable for buyers later this summer.
Few taking risk
Fellow flipper Dale Stumbo agrees. "Some people are going to be able to get some good deals this year," he said.
Stumbo just listed a house he renovated at 326 11th Ave. in Franklin. His planned key to success is the fact that he did most of the work himself, which allows him to keep his asking price competitive.
"You have to get in there and do it yourself, put in that sweat equity," he said. "A 60-hour work week for me is a quiet week." He estimated that "maybe a couple of dozen" people are flipping real estate in the Franklin-Brentwood area right now, but then he added, "That may be way high. But two years ago, there was about a hundred."
His most current project is a house within walking distance of downtown Franklin. It's near the streets filled with historic homes, but Stumbo's is a brick ranch built in 1950.
He has taken it from 950 to 1,420 square feet. Formerly a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home, the house now has a new master suite. A small side porch was enclosed to create a small but flexible indoor living space, perhaps for a home office.
In the kitchen, he added new appliances, granite countertops, fresh paint on the walls and cabinets, and a new hardwood floor. Elsewhere in the home, there is new paint on the walls and there are new finishes in the bathroom off the hall.
The brick exterior has been painted a buff color, to blend the addition (which includes a laundry closet) and mask the dated appearance of the original brick.
"It was ugly, ugly 1950s red brick that was just horrible," he recalled. Stumbo paid $214,000 for the house and is hopeful that it will flip at $369,000, because that price is competitive for the neighborhood.
"I'm not trying to make a killing on this thing," he said. "I wanted to make a nice profit, and I do want to move onto another flip."
Flippers such as Stumbo also seem to survive by having an eye for details. For example, he wisely chose to keep the big, 1950s farmhouse sink in the kitchen. Instead of replacing it, he reglazed it and gave it a new faucet. He also preserved a quaint telephone wall niche that today might make a handy cell phone recharging station.
Market tests fortitude
"There has been a subtle shift in the market, of people who are doing the flipping," observed Michael Thomsett, a former flipper who now writes real estate and business books, including Getting Started in Property Flipping.
"It has become a much more sophisticated concept now than it was 10 years ago," he said. Right now, he said, flipping is more speculative than ever, it is more difficult to make a profit and "you need a longer horizon for flipping the house" because it is taking longer for homes to sell.
Thomsett said if he were still flipping, "I would definitely be buying right now." He added, "Prices are down and everybody is scared, and that's the time to buy."
He says those who are afraid to buy now should remember that even though the economy has slowed, "the demand hasn't gone away."
"People still need houses. It's just that they are all scared," said Thomsett, who claims that the longer the market stays soft, the more this pent-up demand will grow. "And the longer the demand is pent up, the faster it comes around" when economic conditions improve, he added.
But the window of opportunity could be small.
"One of the rules of these cycles is that you will know it when you see it," he said, "but by then, it will be too late."
Patience plays key role to turnarounds in buyer's market
Williamson A.M. • June 13, 2008
FRANKLIN — As the housing market has cooled, so has the once-hot idea of house flipping, which was a high-wire act even in the days of a sellers' market.
Flipping, for the uninitiated, involves buying a tired house, renovating it and then selling it for — theoretically, at least — a nice profit.
Flips have not, however, disappeared from the local real estate scene. Even a casual check of what's for sale in Franklin will turn up a few examples.
It's just that now more than ever, only the savviest flippers survive.
Some, such as Wayne Evans, are simply laying low. Evans, who owns ProServ and ProNet Residential Services of Franklin, has nine houses that he could try to flip, if he wanted to.
Instead, he is renting them out, waiting for the market to turn back more favorably for sellers.
"I tend to sit on the side of caution," said Evans, who flipped his first house in 1993. A big part of his survival strategy is timing, he said.
"Market timing is key. Knowing when to sell," he said. "It's also knowing what to buy."
Evans believes it's a better time for flippers to invest rather than try to fix and sell. "Now is a good time to buy and, if you can, hold it," he said, adding his belief that prices might become even more favorable for buyers later this summer.
Few taking risk
Fellow flipper Dale Stumbo agrees. "Some people are going to be able to get some good deals this year," he said.
Stumbo just listed a house he renovated at 326 11th Ave. in Franklin. His planned key to success is the fact that he did most of the work himself, which allows him to keep his asking price competitive.
"You have to get in there and do it yourself, put in that sweat equity," he said. "A 60-hour work week for me is a quiet week." He estimated that "maybe a couple of dozen" people are flipping real estate in the Franklin-Brentwood area right now, but then he added, "That may be way high. But two years ago, there was about a hundred."
His most current project is a house within walking distance of downtown Franklin. It's near the streets filled with historic homes, but Stumbo's is a brick ranch built in 1950.
He has taken it from 950 to 1,420 square feet. Formerly a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home, the house now has a new master suite. A small side porch was enclosed to create a small but flexible indoor living space, perhaps for a home office.
In the kitchen, he added new appliances, granite countertops, fresh paint on the walls and cabinets, and a new hardwood floor. Elsewhere in the home, there is new paint on the walls and there are new finishes in the bathroom off the hall.
The brick exterior has been painted a buff color, to blend the addition (which includes a laundry closet) and mask the dated appearance of the original brick.
"It was ugly, ugly 1950s red brick that was just horrible," he recalled. Stumbo paid $214,000 for the house and is hopeful that it will flip at $369,000, because that price is competitive for the neighborhood.
"I'm not trying to make a killing on this thing," he said. "I wanted to make a nice profit, and I do want to move onto another flip."
Flippers such as Stumbo also seem to survive by having an eye for details. For example, he wisely chose to keep the big, 1950s farmhouse sink in the kitchen. Instead of replacing it, he reglazed it and gave it a new faucet. He also preserved a quaint telephone wall niche that today might make a handy cell phone recharging station.
Market tests fortitude
"There has been a subtle shift in the market, of people who are doing the flipping," observed Michael Thomsett, a former flipper who now writes real estate and business books, including Getting Started in Property Flipping.
"It has become a much more sophisticated concept now than it was 10 years ago," he said. Right now, he said, flipping is more speculative than ever, it is more difficult to make a profit and "you need a longer horizon for flipping the house" because it is taking longer for homes to sell.
Thomsett said if he were still flipping, "I would definitely be buying right now." He added, "Prices are down and everybody is scared, and that's the time to buy."
He says those who are afraid to buy now should remember that even though the economy has slowed, "the demand hasn't gone away."
"People still need houses. It's just that they are all scared," said Thomsett, who claims that the longer the market stays soft, the more this pent-up demand will grow. "And the longer the demand is pent up, the faster it comes around" when economic conditions improve, he added.
But the window of opportunity could be small.
"One of the rules of these cycles is that you will know it when you see it," he said, "but by then, it will be too late."
June 9, 2008
A new planned community for Murfreesboro
Marymont Springs' first homes to be unveiled in September
Nashville Business Journal, June 9, 2008
Marymont Springs, a 650-acre master-planned community in Murfreesboro, is opening the doors of its first six homes on the boulevard to visitors. The development's historic mansion has been preserved as the sales center.
The six Boulevard of Dreams homes will be fully furnished in styles from English Tudor to French Country. Homes range in price from $650,000 to more than $1 million.
The tour by ParkTrust Development runs Sept. 13 through 28, and opens during United Way's Week of Caring. Ten percent of ticket sales go to the charity, says Bob Parks, chairman of ParkTrust. Builders include J.O. Clark Building Group, Steve Martin Construction, Novotny Custom Homes, Laurel Brook Homes Inc., Randall Davis Homebuilder LLC and John Wieland Homes.
The development includes a future lake with a fishing dock, resort-style clubhouse and pool, walking and biking paths and a town center with future retail.
Nashville Business Journal, June 9, 2008
Marymont Springs, a 650-acre master-planned community in Murfreesboro, is opening the doors of its first six homes on the boulevard to visitors. The development's historic mansion has been preserved as the sales center.
The six Boulevard of Dreams homes will be fully furnished in styles from English Tudor to French Country. Homes range in price from $650,000 to more than $1 million.
The tour by ParkTrust Development runs Sept. 13 through 28, and opens during United Way's Week of Caring. Ten percent of ticket sales go to the charity, says Bob Parks, chairman of ParkTrust. Builders include J.O. Clark Building Group, Steve Martin Construction, Novotny Custom Homes, Laurel Brook Homes Inc., Randall Davis Homebuilder LLC and John Wieland Homes.
The development includes a future lake with a fishing dock, resort-style clubhouse and pool, walking and biking paths and a town center with future retail.
First time buyer seminars
Friday, June 6, 2008
Center to offer first-time home buyer events
Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal The Minnesota Home Ownership Center will begin offering seminars for first-time home buyers in partnership with Bremer Bank and Freddie Mac.
The first three seminars, called "Opportunity Knocking: Get the Facts for First-Time Buyers," are scheduled for June.
The Home Ownership Center is a St. Paul-based nonprofit that promotes home ownership for low- and moderate-income people and first-time buyers. Its primary reason for offering the class is to help prevent predatory lending.
"We want to provide people with information and resources to make smart homeowner choices," said Julie Gugin, executive director
Center to offer first-time home buyer events
Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal The Minnesota Home Ownership Center will begin offering seminars for first-time home buyers in partnership with Bremer Bank and Freddie Mac.
The first three seminars, called "Opportunity Knocking: Get the Facts for First-Time Buyers," are scheduled for June.
The Home Ownership Center is a St. Paul-based nonprofit that promotes home ownership for low- and moderate-income people and first-time buyers. Its primary reason for offering the class is to help prevent predatory lending.
"We want to provide people with information and resources to make smart homeowner choices," said Julie Gugin, executive director
New Dream homes with English Tudor and French Country styles coming to Murfreesboro
Marymont Springs' first homes to be unveiled in September
Nashville Business Journal-June 9, 2008
Marymont Springs, a 650-acre master-planned community in
Murfreesboro, is opening the doors of its first six homes on the boulevard to visitors. The development's historic mansion has been preserved as the sales center.
The six Boulevard of Dreams homes will be fully furnished in styles from English Tudor to French Country. Homes range in price from $650,000 to more than $1 million.
The tour by Park Trust Development runs Sept. 13 through 28, and opens during United Way's Week of Caring. Ten percent of ticket sales go to the charity, says Bob Parks, chairman of ParkTrust. Builders include J.O. Clark Building Group, Steve Martin Construction, Novotny Custom Homes, Laurel Brook Homes Inc., Randall Davis Homebuilder LLC and John Wieland Homes.
The development includes a future lake with a fishing dock, resort-style clubhouse and pool, walking and biking paths and a town center with future retail.
Nashville Business Journal-June 9, 2008
Marymont Springs, a 650-acre master-planned community in
Murfreesboro, is opening the doors of its first six homes on the boulevard to visitors. The development's historic mansion has been preserved as the sales center.The six Boulevard of Dreams homes will be fully furnished in styles from English Tudor to French Country. Homes range in price from $650,000 to more than $1 million.
The tour by Park Trust Development runs Sept. 13 through 28, and opens during United Way's Week of Caring. Ten percent of ticket sales go to the charity, says Bob Parks, chairman of ParkTrust. Builders include J.O. Clark Building Group, Steve Martin Construction, Novotny Custom Homes, Laurel Brook Homes Inc., Randall Davis Homebuilder LLC and John Wieland Homes.
The development includes a future lake with a fishing dock, resort-style clubhouse and pool, walking and biking paths and a town center with future retail.
Featured homes in Historic Downtown Franklin
Tour of homes features old classics, new treasures
Williamson A.M. • June 6, 2008
FRANKLIN — As ticket holders make their way through the nine private homes open this weekend for the 33rd annual Town & Country Tour of Homes, they'll be visiting one of the most diverse group of homes the Heritage Foundation has featured.
From the 1881 Watson House, a stately red brick home on Third Avenue, to Ken and Linda Moore's brand-new Brownstone on Second Avenue South, visitors will see a wide variety of architectural details and design styles. As well, several local authors will be at some of the homes to meet guests and sign books.
Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Advance tickets are $25 and are available at the Heritage Foundation office, 510 Columbia Ave., in the back of the Five Points post office. They are also available by phone at 591-8500, ext. 18, or online at http://www.historicfranklin.com/.
Advanced tickets may also be purchased today in Franklin at Shirley Zeitlin & Co., 341 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 100; the Carter House, 1140 Columbia Ave.; Historic Carnton Plantation, 1345 Carnton Lane; Landmark Booksellers, 114 E. Main St.; Mayfield Gallery House of Art & Antiques, 206 E. Main St.; and the visitors center at 209 E. Main St. They are also being sold at Shirley Zeitlin & Co.'s Brentwood office at 278 Franklin Road, Suite 140.
Williamson A.M. • June 6, 2008
FRANKLIN — As ticket holders make their way through the nine private homes open this weekend for the 33rd annual Town & Country Tour of Homes, they'll be visiting one of the most diverse group of homes the Heritage Foundation has featured.
From the 1881 Watson House, a stately red brick home on Third Avenue, to Ken and Linda Moore's brand-new Brownstone on Second Avenue South, visitors will see a wide variety of architectural details and design styles. As well, several local authors will be at some of the homes to meet guests and sign books.
Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Advance tickets are $25 and are available at the Heritage Foundation office, 510 Columbia Ave., in the back of the Five Points post office. They are also available by phone at 591-8500, ext. 18, or online at http://www.historicfranklin.com/.
Advanced tickets may also be purchased today in Franklin at Shirley Zeitlin & Co., 341 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 100; the Carter House, 1140 Columbia Ave.; Historic Carnton Plantation, 1345 Carnton Lane; Landmark Booksellers, 114 E. Main St.; Mayfield Gallery House of Art & Antiques, 206 E. Main St.; and the visitors center at 209 E. Main St. They are also being sold at Shirley Zeitlin & Co.'s Brentwood office at 278 Franklin Road, Suite 140.
Want to find out more about The Brownstones in Historic Downtown Franklin? Go to http://www.diannechristian.com/ and view 216 Emily Court for more information.
Home maintenance prevents costly problems
Protect your home with regular maintenance
The Tennessean • June 6, 2008
Owning a home is wonderful, but it comes with responsibilities — and one of the big ones is home maintenance. Today's squeaky attic fan could be next year's roof replacement. But if you spend a little time and money now, you can prevent big repairs later.
Regular maintenance might not cost as much as you think, maybe $500 a year, says Ray Baird, owner of RCI Services, who has spent 12 years inspecting homes and 34 years as a builder. Other experts suggest setting aside 1 percent to 3 percent of your home's value every year for maintenance costs.
"It's not that expensive if it's done regularly," Baird says. "The problem comes in with 'deferred maintenance.' "
The point is to know your home, inside and out, and take the time to look for signs of trouble, says Rick Moewe, owner of Comprehensive Home Inspection.
"You have to catch issues at an early stage before they create big problems," he advises. "It's all about the basics — like keeping moisture out of your house."
Stay ahead of things by taking time in the spring and fall to do a crawl space-to-attic check of the basics.
Check the vapor barrier. That's another name for anything that prevents ground moisture from evaporating underneath the house, penetrating the foundation and floorboards. "Keep the space under your house dry, because letting moisture hang around creates a really conducive environment for mold," says John Watkins, owner of Nashville Home Inspection. "Buy a roll of six-mil plastic and spread it across the ground in the crawl space."
Open foundation vents. When weather warms up in April or May, open the vents around the base of the house. "When it gets into the 60s, it's time to open those vents," says Tim Davidson, a sales representative for Clinard Home Inspection. "Otherwise, humidity is trapped under the house."
Look for leaks. Examine the flooring while checking out the crawl space. "Look for water leaks, rotted floor joists, standing water," says Duane Enoch, co-owner of home inspection company Pillar to Post. "A simple plumbing leak caught early can save thousands of dollars in the long run."
Do a visual inspection. "Walk around the house and look for cracks in the foundation," Enoch says. "Small cracks can be patched before they get too big, and big ones alert you to problems that can get bigger in the future."
Clear vegetation. "Keep vines off of the house," Watkins says. "They can trap moisture there or be invasive." For a homeowner who wants the look of an ivy-covered wall, he suggests installing a trellis so that the vine is 1 to 2 inches away from the house, leaving room for water to flow behind it.
Repair cracks. Look for cracks in any concrete surface. Gaps allow water to penetrate beneath the slab and weaken the base. "You can buy a tube of crack filler and take care of the cracks easily," Davidson says. "Keep water from infiltrating. It can be very destructive."
Look for openings. Door and window frames are often where air and moisture will leak. Make sure they're airtight. "Check for small gaps around windows and doors; that's where moisture will sit and create mold," Watkins says. "A tube of silicone caulk can fill many gaps. If the weather stripping is loose or missing, that's an easy thing to replace yourself."
Repair chipped paint. "Take a good look at the doorframes, any painted wood on the outside of your home," Davidson says. "If it's showing dampness, if paint is coming off, repaint it. Otherwise, water will be wicked up through the wood and it will rot."
Keep gutters clear. It's a dirty job, but there's no getting around it. All gutters have to be cleared of debris from time to time. "At least once a day I see rotten wood behind gutters," Davidson says. "You have to keep gutters clean. If water can't flow through them and out of the downspouts, it will overflow and cause the wood to rot."
Again, look for leaks. There are several spots where a roof is most vulnerable to water leaks: around chimneys, exhaust vents, plumbing vents, antenna or satellite dish connections. If there's a small gap and the roof isn't too steep, a homeowner can caulk the space. If the leak is substantial, call a professional.
Check insulation. "Time can make cellulose insulation settle," Watkins says. "Make sure there's at least 6 to 8 inches of insulation everywhere."
Make sure vents are working. Several types of vents are used to keep attics ventilated: the most common are power vents, ridge vents, soffit vents and turbine vents. If an attic doesn't have enough ventilation, heating and cooling bills will skyrocket and roof shingles will age prematurely, among other things.
Replace heating/cooling filter. It's a basic job that gets overlooked. Replace the air conditioning filter every 30 days, or the system works harder to suck air through a dusty surface. "Some people do it when they pay their electric bill each month," Davidson says. "Anything that helps you remember."
Keep faucets and sinks watertight. "Recaulk around bathtubs, sinks and faucets," Enoch says. "Prevent water intrusion now to prevent water leaks later."
Although it looks like a long list, checking off these maintenance items shouldn't take more than a few hours twice a year. And that will, most likely, save a lot of time and money later.
"Simple things can end up costing a fortune if you put them off," Enoch says.
Davidson puts it more directly. "Pay me now or pay me later," he says. "It's your choice."
The Tennessean • June 6, 2008
Owning a home is wonderful, but it comes with responsibilities — and one of the big ones is home maintenance. Today's squeaky attic fan could be next year's roof replacement. But if you spend a little time and money now, you can prevent big repairs later.
Regular maintenance might not cost as much as you think, maybe $500 a year, says Ray Baird, owner of RCI Services, who has spent 12 years inspecting homes and 34 years as a builder. Other experts suggest setting aside 1 percent to 3 percent of your home's value every year for maintenance costs.
"It's not that expensive if it's done regularly," Baird says. "The problem comes in with 'deferred maintenance.' "
The point is to know your home, inside and out, and take the time to look for signs of trouble, says Rick Moewe, owner of Comprehensive Home Inspection.
"You have to catch issues at an early stage before they create big problems," he advises. "It's all about the basics — like keeping moisture out of your house."
Stay ahead of things by taking time in the spring and fall to do a crawl space-to-attic check of the basics.
Check the vapor barrier. That's another name for anything that prevents ground moisture from evaporating underneath the house, penetrating the foundation and floorboards. "Keep the space under your house dry, because letting moisture hang around creates a really conducive environment for mold," says John Watkins, owner of Nashville Home Inspection. "Buy a roll of six-mil plastic and spread it across the ground in the crawl space."
Open foundation vents. When weather warms up in April or May, open the vents around the base of the house. "When it gets into the 60s, it's time to open those vents," says Tim Davidson, a sales representative for Clinard Home Inspection. "Otherwise, humidity is trapped under the house."
Look for leaks. Examine the flooring while checking out the crawl space. "Look for water leaks, rotted floor joists, standing water," says Duane Enoch, co-owner of home inspection company Pillar to Post. "A simple plumbing leak caught early can save thousands of dollars in the long run."
Do a visual inspection. "Walk around the house and look for cracks in the foundation," Enoch says. "Small cracks can be patched before they get too big, and big ones alert you to problems that can get bigger in the future."
Clear vegetation. "Keep vines off of the house," Watkins says. "They can trap moisture there or be invasive." For a homeowner who wants the look of an ivy-covered wall, he suggests installing a trellis so that the vine is 1 to 2 inches away from the house, leaving room for water to flow behind it.
Repair cracks. Look for cracks in any concrete surface. Gaps allow water to penetrate beneath the slab and weaken the base. "You can buy a tube of crack filler and take care of the cracks easily," Davidson says. "Keep water from infiltrating. It can be very destructive."
Look for openings. Door and window frames are often where air and moisture will leak. Make sure they're airtight. "Check for small gaps around windows and doors; that's where moisture will sit and create mold," Watkins says. "A tube of silicone caulk can fill many gaps. If the weather stripping is loose or missing, that's an easy thing to replace yourself."
Repair chipped paint. "Take a good look at the doorframes, any painted wood on the outside of your home," Davidson says. "If it's showing dampness, if paint is coming off, repaint it. Otherwise, water will be wicked up through the wood and it will rot."
Keep gutters clear. It's a dirty job, but there's no getting around it. All gutters have to be cleared of debris from time to time. "At least once a day I see rotten wood behind gutters," Davidson says. "You have to keep gutters clean. If water can't flow through them and out of the downspouts, it will overflow and cause the wood to rot."
Again, look for leaks. There are several spots where a roof is most vulnerable to water leaks: around chimneys, exhaust vents, plumbing vents, antenna or satellite dish connections. If there's a small gap and the roof isn't too steep, a homeowner can caulk the space. If the leak is substantial, call a professional.
Check insulation. "Time can make cellulose insulation settle," Watkins says. "Make sure there's at least 6 to 8 inches of insulation everywhere."
Make sure vents are working. Several types of vents are used to keep attics ventilated: the most common are power vents, ridge vents, soffit vents and turbine vents. If an attic doesn't have enough ventilation, heating and cooling bills will skyrocket and roof shingles will age prematurely, among other things.
Replace heating/cooling filter. It's a basic job that gets overlooked. Replace the air conditioning filter every 30 days, or the system works harder to suck air through a dusty surface. "Some people do it when they pay their electric bill each month," Davidson says. "Anything that helps you remember."
Keep faucets and sinks watertight. "Recaulk around bathtubs, sinks and faucets," Enoch says. "Prevent water intrusion now to prevent water leaks later."
Although it looks like a long list, checking off these maintenance items shouldn't take more than a few hours twice a year. And that will, most likely, save a lot of time and money later.
"Simple things can end up costing a fortune if you put them off," Enoch says.
Davidson puts it more directly. "Pay me now or pay me later," he says. "It's your choice."
June 8, 2008
Brighton Village has become an affordable alternative
Brighton Village attracts downsizing couples, young professionals
The Tennessean• June 4, 2008
NIPPERS CORNER — Andy Dodson found out about the new Brighton Village development by driving by.
So when he and his wife, Norma, began thinking about downsizing, he decided to check it out.
For eight years, the Dodsons have lived in a 2,700-square-foot-home in Williams Grove, a subdivision at the corner of Old Smyrna Road and Edmondson Pike that crosses over into two counties.
Dodson said he has to mow seven-tenths of an acre, not to mention trimming shrubs and other landscaping.
The homes at Brighton Village are more of what he and his wife are looking to own, he said. The only downside is that none of them have floor plans that have downstairs master's suites. Also, he added, it may be a good time to buy, but not necessarily a good time to sell.
But "the workmanship" of the homes at Brighton Village looks very good, Dodson said.
He added, "it's a great location." Brighton Village is near interstates 65 and 24, and there is easy access to shopping. It's also across from the Edmondson Pike Branch Library, and it's close to Nashboro Village, where he likes to golf.
While the Dodsons are shopping, new Brighton Village resident Mitzi Maddox is enjoying her new home. She pointed to her granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors, she said she had many upgrades. Some, though, were included as incentives when she decided to move there.
The base price for her unit was about $180,000, and she paid $196,000 after upgrades.
Maddox, who works as the admissions manager for Odyssey Health Care in the Metroplex corporate center, said she worries some about the surrounding neighborhood and decided to have a security system installed as a result.
But she really likes the aesthetics of the Brighton Village neighborhood and thinks it will be a great place to live.
Units attract empty nesters
Since the opening of its Crosby model home in March, Brighton Village has been experiencing brisk sales of its two-and-three bedroom town center homes, said sales manager Randy Smith.
More than 50 percent of the homes in the development's first phase of construction have been sold since the first week in March, he said.
And, added Smith, none of them are investor owned. "We really try to limit that," he said.
The homes range in price from $134,900 for the least expensive town center homes to the $209s for the most expensive three-story town homes.
The stacked flat town center homes feature 42-inch cabinets and fire sprinkler systems and are equipped with all appliances, including a washer and dryer. All of the town homes feature 42-inch cabinets, hardwood floors, 9-foot ceilings and two-piece crown molding. Some include fenced in courtyards. The three-story town homes include two-car garages.
The units also feature maintenance-free exteriors, and the yards are maintained by the homeowner's association, Smith said.
David McGowan, president of Regent Homes, said Brighton Village seems to be very popular among empty-nesters and among "young professionals who currently reside in nearby apartments."
"With rents rising drastically and interest rates staying low, this is the perfect opportunity to buy," he said.
The Tennessean• June 4, 2008
NIPPERS CORNER — Andy Dodson found out about the new Brighton Village development by driving by.
So when he and his wife, Norma, began thinking about downsizing, he decided to check it out.
For eight years, the Dodsons have lived in a 2,700-square-foot-home in Williams Grove, a subdivision at the corner of Old Smyrna Road and Edmondson Pike that crosses over into two counties.
Dodson said he has to mow seven-tenths of an acre, not to mention trimming shrubs and other landscaping.
The homes at Brighton Village are more of what he and his wife are looking to own, he said. The only downside is that none of them have floor plans that have downstairs master's suites. Also, he added, it may be a good time to buy, but not necessarily a good time to sell.
But "the workmanship" of the homes at Brighton Village looks very good, Dodson said.
He added, "it's a great location." Brighton Village is near interstates 65 and 24, and there is easy access to shopping. It's also across from the Edmondson Pike Branch Library, and it's close to Nashboro Village, where he likes to golf.
While the Dodsons are shopping, new Brighton Village resident Mitzi Maddox is enjoying her new home. She pointed to her granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors, she said she had many upgrades. Some, though, were included as incentives when she decided to move there.
The base price for her unit was about $180,000, and she paid $196,000 after upgrades.
Maddox, who works as the admissions manager for Odyssey Health Care in the Metroplex corporate center, said she worries some about the surrounding neighborhood and decided to have a security system installed as a result.
But she really likes the aesthetics of the Brighton Village neighborhood and thinks it will be a great place to live.
Units attract empty nesters
Since the opening of its Crosby model home in March, Brighton Village has been experiencing brisk sales of its two-and-three bedroom town center homes, said sales manager Randy Smith.
More than 50 percent of the homes in the development's first phase of construction have been sold since the first week in March, he said.
And, added Smith, none of them are investor owned. "We really try to limit that," he said.
The homes range in price from $134,900 for the least expensive town center homes to the $209s for the most expensive three-story town homes.
The stacked flat town center homes feature 42-inch cabinets and fire sprinkler systems and are equipped with all appliances, including a washer and dryer. All of the town homes feature 42-inch cabinets, hardwood floors, 9-foot ceilings and two-piece crown molding. Some include fenced in courtyards. The three-story town homes include two-car garages.
The units also feature maintenance-free exteriors, and the yards are maintained by the homeowner's association, Smith said.
David McGowan, president of Regent Homes, said Brighton Village seems to be very popular among empty-nesters and among "young professionals who currently reside in nearby apartments."
"With rents rising drastically and interest rates staying low, this is the perfect opportunity to buy," he said.
June 6, 2008
Lehew farm will remain Green
LeHew farm becomes latest to be protected
The Tennessean• June 4, 2008
FRANKLIN — A secluded 233-acre farm off Southall Road will remain pastoral thanks to the donation of a conservation easement to The Land Trust for Tennessee by its owners.
Farm owner Calvin LeHew, who also owns The Factory at Franklin, said he donated the easement in late 2007 in order to keep the land on Blazer Road from being developed.
Named Southall Valley Farm by LeHew's wife, Marilyn, the farm spreads over four valleys that intersect at a fifth. LeHew described the property as being shaped like a hand.
"It's totally secluded," he said. "You can't see a single neighborhood from the valley."
The LeHews hope that their private farm one day might become a public park.
Now that the donation has been finalized, the land can't be developed or subdivided, said May Leinhart, Natchez Trace Quarter coordinator for the land trust.
"It's amazing to have open space protected in such a rapidly developing area," Leinhart said.
The LeHews' donation marks the latest by a Williamson County land-owner to the land trust. Thirty-seven conservation easements in the county have been donated to the trust since 1999. Twelve donations were made last year alone. All told, more than 4,500 acres of land in Williamson County have been protected.
LeHew says the mind-set of residents contributes to the awareness of preservation.
"It's a higher consciousness," he said. "Our folks that live here, I think, see the future and have a higher awareness of the needs of the community."
While ownership of the land can change hands, the land itself can never be developed because of the conservation easement.
The Tennessean• June 4, 2008
FRANKLIN — A secluded 233-acre farm off Southall Road will remain pastoral thanks to the donation of a conservation easement to The Land Trust for Tennessee by its owners.
Farm owner Calvin LeHew, who also owns The Factory at Franklin, said he donated the easement in late 2007 in order to keep the land on Blazer Road from being developed.
Named Southall Valley Farm by LeHew's wife, Marilyn, the farm spreads over four valleys that intersect at a fifth. LeHew described the property as being shaped like a hand.
"It's totally secluded," he said. "You can't see a single neighborhood from the valley."
The LeHews hope that their private farm one day might become a public park.
Now that the donation has been finalized, the land can't be developed or subdivided, said May Leinhart, Natchez Trace Quarter coordinator for the land trust.
"It's amazing to have open space protected in such a rapidly developing area," Leinhart said.
The LeHews' donation marks the latest by a Williamson County land-owner to the land trust. Thirty-seven conservation easements in the county have been donated to the trust since 1999. Twelve donations were made last year alone. All told, more than 4,500 acres of land in Williamson County have been protected.
LeHew says the mind-set of residents contributes to the awareness of preservation.
"It's a higher consciousness," he said. "Our folks that live here, I think, see the future and have a higher awareness of the needs of the community."
While ownership of the land can change hands, the land itself can never be developed because of the conservation easement.
June 3, 2008
Smoky flavors star at Food & Spirits event
Crowds follow nose to newest festivalThe Tennessean • June 3, 2008
FRANKLIN — If you were anywhere near downtown Franklin Saturday, that aroma was more than hot dogs and burgers on a backyard grill.
The inaugural Franklin Food & Spirits Festival celebrated Southern fare with local chefs cooking dishes ranging from Loveless Cafe's fried chicken to Puckett's baby back ribs to barbecue from soon-to-be Franklin newcomer Jim 'n' Nick's Bar-B-Q. There were libations as well, including samples of beer from Nashville's Yazoo Brewing Co. and wine from Williamson County's Arrington Winery.
A steady crowd of visitors bought tickets to sample the culinary choices, but others took in free events, such as listening to live music and talking with food experts on hand to sign their books.
The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County is still in the process of estimating how many diners made it to the festival. But just glancing around the food booths, executive director Mary Pearce was pleased.
"We feel that for this being a first-year festival, the response was phenomenal. We're already thinking of ways to grow it in the coming years, like adding children's activities and storytelling," she said.
The festival raised money for the Southern Foodways Alliance, which is headquartered in Mississippi, and The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County's Save the Franklin Theatre campaign.
June 2, 2008
Franklin's lunch place will become part-time nightspot
Restaurant adds tapas, beer, wine
The Tennessean-June 2, 2008
FRANKLIN — The Franklin Mercantile, which has served breakfast and lunch just off Main Street for 10 years, is expanding options with evening hours and live entertainment three nights a week.
The restaurant has added beer and wine and instituted a new tapas menu served beginning at 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Graeme Asch, who owns The Franklin Mercantile with his wife, Corrie, decided to bring about the change after witnessing a resurgence of nighttime activities in downtown Franklin. And after trips to Napa Valley's wine country, he knew just what to do.
"We just felt like it was time to bring something fresh and add to that atmosphere," he said. "We have candles on the tables. It's just like a romantic dinner at home."
Among a list of 16 wines, diners can chose from sirah to syrah and cabernet sauvignon to a couple of pinot noirs or the signature Mercantile Sangria. There are also 11 beers available, including Sam Adams Lager, Blue Moon, Paulaner Hefeweizen, Avery IPA and three Sierra Nevada brews. From 3 to 6 p.m. for those three days a week, it's two-for-one on the beers.
To complement the wine selection, the restaurant's sandwiches, soups and omelets will be replaced in the nighttime hours by what Asch terms as "Southern-style tapas," including flank steak, orange pork tenderloin, port glazed salmon and more.
"I really wanted to make the prices affordable," he said. "You can have a glass of wine and salmon for under $20. So, you can get an appetizer, entree and dessert and not spend a ton of money."
Music with entertainers such as acoustical performer Randall Thomas starts at around 7:30 p.m. There is no cover.
The Franklin Mercantile is at 100 Fourth Ave. N. For info, visit franklinmercantile.com
The Tennessean-June 2, 2008
FRANKLIN — The Franklin Mercantile, which has served breakfast and lunch just off Main Street for 10 years, is expanding options with evening hours and live entertainment three nights a week.
The restaurant has added beer and wine and instituted a new tapas menu served beginning at 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Graeme Asch, who owns The Franklin Mercantile with his wife, Corrie, decided to bring about the change after witnessing a resurgence of nighttime activities in downtown Franklin. And after trips to Napa Valley's wine country, he knew just what to do.
"We just felt like it was time to bring something fresh and add to that atmosphere," he said. "We have candles on the tables. It's just like a romantic dinner at home."
Among a list of 16 wines, diners can chose from sirah to syrah and cabernet sauvignon to a couple of pinot noirs or the signature Mercantile Sangria. There are also 11 beers available, including Sam Adams Lager, Blue Moon, Paulaner Hefeweizen, Avery IPA and three Sierra Nevada brews. From 3 to 6 p.m. for those three days a week, it's two-for-one on the beers.
To complement the wine selection, the restaurant's sandwiches, soups and omelets will be replaced in the nighttime hours by what Asch terms as "Southern-style tapas," including flank steak, orange pork tenderloin, port glazed salmon and more.
"I really wanted to make the prices affordable," he said. "You can have a glass of wine and salmon for under $20. So, you can get an appetizer, entree and dessert and not spend a ton of money."
Music with entertainers such as acoustical performer Randall Thomas starts at around 7:30 p.m. There is no cover.
The Franklin Mercantile is at 100 Fourth Ave. N. For info, visit franklinmercantile.com
June 1, 2008
Belle Meade Plantation to host weekly farmers market
Belle Meade Plantation hosts weekly farmers market
The Tennessean• May 28, 2008
Featuring a variety of locally grown vegetables, eggs, fruit and fresh-cut flowers from farmers within a 25-mile radius of Nashville, the market is open 12:30 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. The plantation has been hosting the market since February, with James Gardner of Gardner Grove onsite with fresh products.
The market has seen significant traffic since its February opening.
"The farmer has a very loyal following," said Alton Kelley, president of Belle Meade Plantation.
"Every time he's here, people bring egg cartons in for refills."
The plantation is hoping to add additional offerings as produce starts to pick up.
The 30-acre, historic site represents and interprets 200 years of Tennessee history, as the grounds were once a world-famous thoroughbred farm.
"With over two centuries of being a farm, we don't want to lose our roots," Kelley said. "Small farmers are endangered species and we want to do everything we can to support them."
The Tennessean• May 28, 2008
Featuring a variety of locally grown vegetables, eggs, fruit and fresh-cut flowers from farmers within a 25-mile radius of Nashville, the market is open 12:30 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. The plantation has been hosting the market since February, with James Gardner of Gardner Grove onsite with fresh products.
The market has seen significant traffic since its February opening.
"The farmer has a very loyal following," said Alton Kelley, president of Belle Meade Plantation.
"Every time he's here, people bring egg cartons in for refills."
The plantation is hoping to add additional offerings as produce starts to pick up.
The 30-acre, historic site represents and interprets 200 years of Tennessee history, as the grounds were once a world-famous thoroughbred farm.
"With over two centuries of being a farm, we don't want to lose our roots," Kelley said. "Small farmers are endangered species and we want to do everything we can to support them."
Focus on new Franklin CIty Hall
Franklin takes another small step toward new City HallAldermen seek some more details about proposal
The Tennessean • June 1, 2008
FRANKLIN — City leaders want more information from Crosland LLC about its proposal to build a new Franklin city hall, but they aren't making any financial commitments to break ground on one just yet.
Mayor John Schroer and aldermen decided last week to ask North Carolina-based Crosland to flesh out its $76 million proposal to construct a new City Hall and redevelop portions of downtown Franklin.
Aldermen earlier had heard proposals from two firms, Crosland and Balfour Beatty, an engineering and construction group, for the City Hall project.
"We're not committed to complete the journey until we have all the facts, figures and information, and we as a board collectively make the decision to say yes or no," Schroer said. "This is a first step."
As part of Crosland's initial proposal, the company would start a public-private partnership with the city that could create:
• 98,000 square feet of new public space in City Hall and an additional 23,300 square feet of space in the First Tennessee building
• 38,500 square feet of retail and office space for lease
• A 35,800-square-foot, 70-room hotel downtown
• New roads through the development that would connect Second and Third avenues and a new road between Church and Main streets.
Crosland officials in Nashville could not be reached for comment.
While discussion about building a new city hall has been ongoing for years, construction on a new one is still years away.
Franklin police must first move out of the current City Hall and into the new $26 million headquarters building that's under construction on Columbia Avenue. It's slated to be finished by late 2009.
"We have a long way (to go) and we have a lot to do," Alderman Bev Burger said.
Meanwhile, upgrades inside the current city hall are badly needed. For years, city staffers have worked in cramped, deteriorating conditions. As an example of the former shopping mall's shabby condition, Schroer said computer equipment inside the city's Traffic Operations Center must now be covered with a tarpaulin each time it rains because of leaks.
"We owe it to the future of the city," Schroer said. "At some point in time, it's got to be done."
New Buildings will replace old in Brentwood
Wrecking ball expected in Town Center
Developer plans two new buildings at important corner
The Tennessean• May 28, 2008
BRENTWOOD —A line of three shabby buildings stands at the official entrance to Brentwood's Town Center.
The brick or old white-siding structures don't fit in with the city's vision for this area, which calls for a quaint, pedestrian-friendly village with strict design standards. The contrast has become more apparent in recent years because the three sit next to the new decorative brick markers at the intersection of Franklin Road and Town Center Way.
Their appearance doesn't bother Shaw Mehrzad, who manages Oriental Rug Restoration in the small, brick building just south of the intersection. He likes the area's high visibility and traffic, which is why he's not looking forward to moving out by July 23.
"The building is coming down," he said. "I will try my darnedest to find a good location and low overhead as good as this building."
Brookside Properties now owns the buildings and has submitted a plan to the Brentwood Planning Department to redevelop that corner. That plan involves demolishing the existing buildings, a fact Mehrzad's business has promoted in recent sale ads that urge customers to come in before the wrecking ball does.
Brookside is proposing two new buildings, one for a bank and the other for retail and commercial use. Because the buildings will provide the first impression of Town Center to Franklin Road motorists, the proper design is a crucial element to their approval. In fact, Brookside is refining its plans now, said Jeff Dobson, senior city planner.
"The building was a little too modern when I first saw it," Dodson said.
City Commissioner Betsy Crossley was on the city Planning Commission in January 2004 when it approved the special C-4 zoning district for "downtown Brentwood." She said she would like to see the project create a "sort of nice gateway building" into Town Center, which is bordered on the North by Old Hickory Boulevard, the East by Interstate 65, the South by Church Street and the west by Eastpark Drive.
As of deadline, the city Planning Department was still going over the details of the development. It'll likely be on the agenda at next month's Brentwood Planning Commission meeting.
Regardless of what happens, Oriental Rug Restoration will be closing its doors so they can be out of the building by July 23. Mehrzad, however, isn't upset.
He has faith there is a reason for the move.
"My fate was to be here until July 23, and now my fate is to find somewhere else," he said
Developer plans two new buildings at important corner
The Tennessean• May 28, 2008
BRENTWOOD —A line of three shabby buildings stands at the official entrance to Brentwood's Town Center.
The brick or old white-siding structures don't fit in with the city's vision for this area, which calls for a quaint, pedestrian-friendly village with strict design standards. The contrast has become more apparent in recent years because the three sit next to the new decorative brick markers at the intersection of Franklin Road and Town Center Way.
Their appearance doesn't bother Shaw Mehrzad, who manages Oriental Rug Restoration in the small, brick building just south of the intersection. He likes the area's high visibility and traffic, which is why he's not looking forward to moving out by July 23.
"The building is coming down," he said. "I will try my darnedest to find a good location and low overhead as good as this building."
Brookside Properties now owns the buildings and has submitted a plan to the Brentwood Planning Department to redevelop that corner. That plan involves demolishing the existing buildings, a fact Mehrzad's business has promoted in recent sale ads that urge customers to come in before the wrecking ball does.
Brookside is proposing two new buildings, one for a bank and the other for retail and commercial use. Because the buildings will provide the first impression of Town Center to Franklin Road motorists, the proper design is a crucial element to their approval. In fact, Brookside is refining its plans now, said Jeff Dobson, senior city planner.
"The building was a little too modern when I first saw it," Dodson said.
City Commissioner Betsy Crossley was on the city Planning Commission in January 2004 when it approved the special C-4 zoning district for "downtown Brentwood." She said she would like to see the project create a "sort of nice gateway building" into Town Center, which is bordered on the North by Old Hickory Boulevard, the East by Interstate 65, the South by Church Street and the west by Eastpark Drive.
As of deadline, the city Planning Department was still going over the details of the development. It'll likely be on the agenda at next month's Brentwood Planning Commission meeting.
Regardless of what happens, Oriental Rug Restoration will be closing its doors so they can be out of the building by July 23. Mehrzad, however, isn't upset.
He has faith there is a reason for the move.
"My fate was to be here until July 23, and now my fate is to find somewhere else," he said
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