Tecovas, the iconic brand known for its high-quality leather goods and handmade boots, is opening in Franklin.
The store will be located at 306 Public Square in the Old Bank Building, a Ca. 1901 5,000-square-foot space steeped in history. The new location was spearheaded by building owner Jason McConnell, the CEO of McConnell Hospitality Group responsible for local restaurants Red Pony, Cork & Cow and 55 South, n partnership with Hamilton Young, LLC, a Franklin-based commercial development, brokerage and property management firm, and Lantern Real Estate Advisors.
“This 120-year-old building has been waiting for the right partner to bring it back to life,” McConnell says. “It was important for us to work with a Franklin broker who understands what makes our town truly special. We believe every addition to our historic district should be carefully curated to maintain Franklin’s unique character, and we identified Tecovas as the perfect fit.”
The late Victorian-era building holds decades of stories within its walls. Until 1926, it was the home of Franklin’s oldest bank, but an embezzlement scandal caused its collapse, sending ripples through the local economy. Its original woodwork, intricate detailing and timeless aesthetic are not only central to its charm, but also vital to maintaining the character of Main Street. Tecovas intends to embrace the building’s history by preserving its original features and aesthetic.
“The bank building is simply stunning,” said Tecovas founder Paul Hedrick. “As soon as I saw it in person, I could envision a beautiful store that honors and integrates the history of the space into a new retail experience. I can’t imagine a better location than this piece of history on the square.”
The Tecovas store in Franklin is set to open later this year, though an official date hasn’t been announced yet.