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.
To nurture a space where business, history and culture can flourish.
Our Vision
Connecting people to our downtown community.
Our Mission
To nurture a space where business, history and culture can flourish.
Our Vision
Connecting people to our downtown community.
Our Mission
To nurture a space where business, history and culture can flourish.
Our Vision
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 Vitality
Organization
Promotion
Meet the Team
Board of Directors
City of Franklin
Franklin College
Podiatry Associates of Indiana
Johnson County Community Foundation
Franklin Community Schools
Franklin Chamber of Commerce
Kelly Promotional Products
City of Franklin
Taylor Tyndall
Festival Country
Community Volunteer
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 Second Floor of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce.
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 9 a.m. on the Second Floor of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce.
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: Dana Monson
Meetings: Third Monday of each month at 1 p.m. on the Second Floor of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce.
Promotion
Our goal is to promote Downtown Franklin as the center of commerce, culture and community life for residents and visitors alike.
Chair: Anya McConnell
Meetings: First Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. on the Second Floor of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce.
Why Historic Preservation
is Good for Your Community
Discover Downtown Franklin partners with Franklin Heritage, Inc. and the Franklin Development Corporation to preserve and protect historic building in Downtown Franklin, Indiana. The efforts not only beautify our downtown, but are good for our local economy.
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