Street view of a four-story brick building with ground-floor retail and upper-level balconies, illuminated at dusk. The architecture features columned balconies, black metal railings, and awnings, with parked cars and sidewalk trees completing the upscale urban feel. View of a white-painted brick apartment wing with private balconies, set against a bright blue sky. Trees, fencing, and people mingling near the entrance add a sense of liveliness and community charm. Full frontal view of a grand entrance with multiple levels of columned balconies above, blending red brick and light stone. A large covered entryway with hanging lantern lights leads into a main building lobby, flanked by planters and glass doors. Grand exterior staircase leading to an elevated terrace area, flanked by symmetrical railings, decorative lighting, manicured shrubs, and outdoor lounge furniture on a cobblestone patio. Full frontal view of a grand entrance with multiple levels of columned balconies above, blending red brick and light stone. A large covered entryway with hanging lantern lights leads into a main building lobby, flanked by planters and glass doors. Aerial view of a landscaped interior courtyard, showcasing paved walkways, lounge seating areas, a central fountain, grill stations, and a pergola structure, all surrounded by multi-story apartment balconies.

Harpeth Square

Smith Gee Studio, in collaboration with 906 Studio, led the design of the largest infill development ever undertaken in Franklin, Tennessee’s Historic Downtown. Spanning a full city block, the project brings together a 119-key boutique hotel, 150 multifamily residences, retail spaces, and a 591-space parking garage—all carefully integrated into the existing urban fabric.

Smith Gee Studio guided the project from start to finish—master planning the site, serving as Architect of Record, and crafting the interior design for the mixed-use components.

At the center of the development is The Harpeth, a Hilton Curio Collection hotel that anchors the district with Southern charm and thoughtful detail. Designed with a four-story front porch, classic brick veneer, and stone accents, the architecture reflects and respects Franklin’s historic character. Inside, guests will find a high-end restaurant, café, ballroom, boardrooms, and a serene central courtyard framed by a dramatic imperial stair.

The adjacent multifamily buildings connect directly to the hotel’s amenities, fostering a walkable, blended community. Meanwhile, the parking structure is fully wrapped by active building fronts, eliminating dead zones and introducing four new tree-lined streets that enhance both the site and the surrounding downtown experience.

Year:

2020

Location:

Franklin, TN

Architect:

Smith Gee Studio

Client:

Harpeth Associates

Services:

Architect of Record, Interior Design, & Master Planning

Awards:

Williamson Co. Heritage Foundation Preservation Awards, Excellence in Infill in a Historic District, 2021 AIA Middle Tennessee, Design Awards, 2021 NAHB, Multifamily Pillars of the Industry, Finalist, Best Mixed-Use Community, 2021 ULI Nashville, Excellence in Development Award, 2021 Aurora Awards, Silver Honor, Best Mixed-Use Project, 2021