The Factory

Marilyn and Calvin LeHew took on the huge task of saving a historic stove and bedding factory in Franklin, Tennessee. The complex consists of 14 buildings on 46 acres and dates to 1929.

Figure A

Figure A--Calvin wasn't planning on taking on the project himself. He unsuccessfully tried to interest local business people in saving the buildings, but on each visit he made to the complex he found something interesting. He knew he had to act to preserve a part of Franklin's history.

Figure B

Figure B--The LeHews bought the old factory in 1996 and put their plan into action. Now the old industrial space is a bright, airy commercial mall featuring retail businesses, restaurants and art galleries.

Figure C

Figure C--Marilyn LeHew found this old Dortch warmer stove, which was built at the Franklin factory, by chance at an antique sale. The LeHews now have a collection of stoves from the various eras of the factory's history.

	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Figures D and E--The LeHews poured everything they had into their new venture and even sold their home. They needed a new place to live, and went to work converting an area in the old factory into a 3,600-square-foot apartment. This old employee restroom was smartly remodeled into their new bedroom.

Figure F--Their new living room combines industrial touches that are leftover from when the area was a factory, yet still has the warmth of a home. They even used many old items from the factory to decorate. For instance, old window frames are used in the garden area as trellises.

Figure G--This is a hallway in the LeHews' converted apartment.

Resources
The Factory at Franklin
The Factory at Franklin is a complex of 14 buildings on 46 acres of land in Franklin, Tennessee. The factory dates to 1929, when it was a stove factory and later, when it was home to a mattress factory. Marilyn and Calvin LeHew have renovated the factory into commercial space and it now houses restaurants, shops and art galleries.
The Factory at Franklin
230 Franklin Rd.
Franklin, TN 37065
Phone: 615-791-1777
Website: www.factoryatfranklin.com
Guests
Marilyn and Calvin LeHew
Owners, The Factory at Franklin
230 Franklin Rd.
Franklin, TN 37065
Phone: 615-791-1777
Website: www.factoryatfranklin.com
Also in this Episode

If Walls Could Talk ... : Episode WCT-504
•	The Factory