City of Franklin, Design Review Commission, 8-17-2026

The City of Franklin Design Review Commission met on August 17, 2026, to review multiple projects within the city's historic districts. Key procurement-related discussions included proposed alterations to accessory structures and principal buildings, such as a fireplace addition at 109 Everbright Avenue and a rear addition at 109 7th Avenue North. The commission provided feedback on materials, design compatibility, and historic preservation guidelines. A significant portion of the meeting focused on new construction projects, including a 38x30-foot accessory dwelling unit at 344 Franklin Road and a large mixed-use development at 234 and 242 5th Avenue North. The latter involved detailed discussions on massing, scale, floodplain requirements, and architectural compatibility with the historic district, with staff and commissioners expressing concerns about the building's height and scale relative to surrounding historic structures. Another major agenda item was the Riverview Historic Estate redevelopment proposal, which included multiple new buildings and site alterations. Staff and commissioners noted that the proposal significantly altered the historic site and setting, with concerns about the number and scale of new buildings overwhelming the historic structures. The commission emphasized adherence to historic preservation guidelines and recommended further study and revisions. No contract awards, RFPs, or vendor selections were discussed. The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming historic zoning commission meetings and preservation-related events.