When Kelsey Dobias and Kricket Krizon opened their boutique, Crickets & Clovers, on Columbia Avenue in downtown Franklin, they imagined a calm street where locals could shop and families could gather. Instead, the sisters found themselves navigating a construction zone that began just two months after they opened their doors.
Construction impacts daily business
“One day we had cement trucks parked in front of the shop all day long just waiting to go down the block,” Krizon said, recalling the early days of the Margin District development. The multi‑million‑dollar project broke ground in June 2025 and is expected to keep cranes and heavy equipment on the two‑block site for roughly another year.
Despite the disruption, the sisters remain optimistic. “It’s been a challenge, but we have to laugh and just wait for it to end,” Krizon added. Their perseverance reflects a broader sentiment among Franklin entrepreneurs who see the long‑term benefits of the district’s promised amenities.
What the Margin District promises
The Margin District is marketed as a luxury, walkable neighborhood that will add roughly two dozen condominiums priced between $2 million and $6.7 million. According to a local luxury real‑estate agent, Williamson County home prices have already peaked above $1.16 million, indicating strong demand for high‑end housing.
Leah Crutchfield, a spokesperson for the development, explained the pricing strategy: “We’re at a place where this price point is already in the area. We’re just giving them a different lifestyle option, and the key is walkable downtown Franklin.” The project aims to blend upscale living with easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, aligning with the city’s vision of a vibrant, pedestrian‑friendly core.
Local business perspective
For Dobias and Krizon, the construction is a temporary inconvenience that fits into a larger narrative of growth. “When we open our own shop, we’re gonna have prices that are reasonable,” Krizon said. “It gives us the ability to build relationships and have the repeat business.” Their focus on affordable pricing and personal service underscores a commitment to serving both residents and visitors.
Both sisters emphasized the importance of community values amid rapid development. “We value people just coming in to visit,” Krizon added. “Even if it’s a word of encouragement, a hug, a prayer whatever it is. I think that’s what’s really important to us as we continue to give.” Their remarks highlight a desire to preserve Franklin’s small‑town charm even as the city expands.
Looking ahead
The Margin District is set to become a prominent addition to Franklin’s skyline, whether residents embrace it or not. “This is gonna be a huge addition like it or not, it’s here,” Krizon said, acknowledging that change is inevitable.
City officials have not indicated any alterations to the project timeline, and the construction continues under the oversight of local planning and zoning boards. As the cranes remain, local businesses like Crickets & Clovers must balance short‑term disruptions with the promise of increased foot traffic and a more dynamic downtown once the development is complete.
Franklin’s growth story is one of balancing tradition with progress. While the Margin District brings luxury condos and a modern streetscape, longtime entrepreneurs remain rooted in the values that have long defined the community: personal service, faith, and a welcoming atmosphere for all who walk the historic streets.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
