Learn About
Discover Downtown Franklin, Inc.
Since Franklin, Indiana was featured in the December 2, 1940 issue of Life magazine, our downtown has been considered a special destination in Central Indiana.
The quaint restaurants and locally-owned shops have been a gathering place for generations. Visitors love a classic movie at the Historic Artcraft Theatre, concerts at our new amphitheater and car shows on the square.
Discover Downtown Inc works to preserve and promote the businesses and support the city's effort to make the downtown beautiful and inviting.
Welcome to Franklin, Indiana
Franklin has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1823. We benefit from being close to the amenities of a major metropolitan area - Indianapolis - and the comforts and convenience of a small town. Our people are friendly, diverse and engaged.
Victorian mansions line King and Jefferson streets, and our trails provide opportunities for a quiet walk or a scenic jog.
We also are a community on the move. Our pro-business attitude and strategic location have attracted companies globally, including seven Japanese corporations.
Images from LIFE magazine feature on downtown Franklin, Indiana in 1940.
A Main Street Community
Discover Downtown Franklin Inc. is nationally accredited through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Main Street Program is a proven method of downtown revitalization throughout the country. Its success is based on the 4 Point Approach:
Design
Economic Restructuring
Organization
Promotion
Staff

Jess Giles
Executive Director
Jess joined DDF in February 2020 as Executive Director. She is a lifelong resident of Franklin. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University where she was a Division I volleyball player.
EMAIL JESS
Board of Directors
Kelly Promotional Products
First Financial Bank
Franklin Chamber of Commerce
Johnson County Community Foundation
City of Franklin
Franklin Community Schools
Franklin Heritage
Community Volunteer
City of Franklin
Miss Polly's Music Class
Franklin College
Podiatry Associates of Indiana
Our Committees
Design
Our goal is to get downtown Franklin into top physical shape. Capitalizing on its best assets, such as historic buildings and the traditional downtown layout.
We are focusing on an inviting atmosphere created by window displays, parking areas, signs, sidewalks, street lights and landscaping to convey a visual message about what Downtown Franklin is and what it has to offer.
Chair: Danny Causey
Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. on the Third Floor of Franklin City Hall.
Economic Vitality
Our goal is to identify new market opportunities for downtown Franklin, find new uses for historic commercial properties, and stimulate investment in downtown property.
Chair: Krista Linke
Meetings: Second Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m. on the Third Floor of Franklin City Hall.
Organization
Our goal is to keep the board and each committee in good standing by attracting people and funding to the organization. The Organization Committee takes responsibility for managing the financial and logistical aspects of Discover Downtown Franklin.
Chair: Joe Kelly
Meetings: Third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. on the Third Floor of Franklin City Hall.
Promotion
Our goal is to promote Downtown Franklin as the center of commerce, culture and community life for residents and visitors alike.
Chair: Dana Monson
Meetings: First Thursday of each month at 8:15 a.m. in the Franklin City Council Chambers.