Just a couple blocks from Downtown Franklin’s public square, the 119 room Harpeth Hotel is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection hospitality brand. Curio Collection by Hilton includes a number of hotels across the country that combine modern luxury with references to local history. Though Curio Collection hotels like The Harpeth fall under the Hilton name, each is absolutely unique and reflective of the host town’s heritage and culture. Interestingly, Harpeth Hotel is just one feature of Downtown Franklin’s new $115 million development. Construction of the mixed-use real estate development project began in 2017 and was recently completed in early 2020. Developed by J. Roderick “Rod” Heller, the twelve acre lot now hosts the hotel, dozens of apartments, several commercial offices and a large parking garage.

Meeting the Team Behind Harpeth Square

The team behind the $115 million development in Harpeth Square includes R.C. Matthews Contractor, 906 Studio Architects and Smith Gee Studio. CEO of Harpeth Associates J. Roderick “Rod” Heller owns Franklin’s Harpeth Square. R.C. Matthews Contractor is a local general contractor company which has contributed to dozens of commercial real estate projects across Williamson County. These include the Janet Ayers Academic Center at Belmont University, the 21C Museum Hotel in Nashville and the Frist Art Museum. Founding principal of 906 Studio Architects + Interiors Mike Hathaway lent his experience designing mixed-use buildings to this project. Mike Hathaway and 906 Studio Architects recently produced an expansion for the Cheekwood Golf Club in Franklin as well.

Specializing in sustainable design, adaptive reuse, mixed-use town centers and hospitality, Smith Gee Studio was the perfect choice for the Harpeth Square architect of record. Since its founding, Smith Gee Studio has been recognized with dozens of local, regional and national awards. These include the 2020 Excellence in Development Award from ULI Nashville, the 2018 Excellence in Masonry Graphic Award from Masonry Institute of Tennessee and the 2015 Best Low-Rise Apartment Community of the Year from the NAHB. Euan McGlashan and Valor Hospitality signed on to manage the hotel. Celebrated architectural photographer Chad Chenier was chosen by Harpeth Associates to capture the Square’s unique architecture, interiors and grounds.

The Harpeth Hotel Blends Historic Charm with Modern Amenities

In her article “Newly opened Harpeth Hotel showcases rich history of Franklin” for The Williamson Herald, Brooke Wanser describes the luxurious new development. Quoting The Harpeth’s director of sales Kimberly Elder, Wanser writes that “‘there’s a story behind everything.’” Each and every detail “from the subtle vanilla bourbon scent to repurposed

Tennessee barn wood sheathing the restaurant floors” has been carefully considered by the hotel’s design team. References to Franklin’s complex and storied past can be found throughout the hotel. Wanser notes a reading nook filled with “books from Middle Tennessee authors” and a “grand staircase” in the hotel’s courtyard inspired by the town’s architectural history. Harpeth Hotel’s restaurant, which serves local Southern cuisine crafted by chef Jay Swift, is warm and cozy yet elegant and sophisticated.

Inside The Harpeth’s Historic Interior

The Williamson Source article “The Harpeth Hotel Unveils Its Design Inspirations” notes that The Harpeth “tells the story of the state’s history…while creating an ambiance resembling a warm and welcoming Southern home.” The design team behind Downtown Franklin’s first luxury hotel ensured guests truly feel at home when visiting. When guests enter one of the hotel’s 119 rooms, they are met with a series of interior elements that recall the character of “a 19th century Tennessee house.” Harpeth Hotel’s 1799 Kitchen also references Franklin’s history, from its torch-finished table tops to its unusual layout.

According to the Williamson Source, the partitioned booths in 1799 Kitchen “speak to the 19th century belief that you were not consuming whiskey if you were not seen imbibing.” Materials used in the restaurant’s flooring and furniture nod to the whiskey distilling process, which Tennessee is famous for. Fabrics and finishings found throughout the rest of the hotel’s interior, from the ballroom to the boardroom, recall heritage designs. Light fixtures in the hotel’s foyer were reportedly inspired by 19th attire while chevron paneling and upholstery in both the ballroom and the bedrooms “nod to the uniforms” of Civil War soldiers. Other interior finishes pull tones and textures from Tennessee’s native plants. Exposed beams, layered lighting and highly textural finishings add to the hotel’s unique blend of opulence and rusticity.

Harpeth Square Apartments Offer Luxury Living

Commercial office spaces and apartments in the Harpeth Square development began accepting tenants in Spring 2020. The Harpeth Square apartment complex greatly resembles the hotel with similarly paved courtyards, accented interiors, native landscaping and stunning city views. Perhaps best of all, each Harpeth Square apartment is Gold LEED certified, making it one of Tennessee’s most sustainable apartment complexes. Like the hotel, Harpeth Square apartments feature a mixture of social and private spaces.
Balconies overlook the courtyard and Franklin’s Historic Commerce District while a Wellness Studio and Clubroom offer residents the chance to mingle with neighbors. Both the hotel and apartments are just steps away from high-end retailers, restaurants and other Downtown Franklin attractions.

View photos of The Harpeth Hotel and surrounding Harpeth Square, all taken by acclaimed photographer Chad Chenier, above.

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