The Park at Harlinsdale Farm: Bringing Back the Main Barn

In 2004, the city of Franklin, Tennessee purchased the historic Harlinsdale Farm to serve as a new park for the community. Since that time, it has become the “crown jewel of the city of Franklin parks system” and residents have come together to tell the story of the farm through a collection of preservation efforts.

906 Studio was privileged to be a part of a local design team including Kimley Horn and Genesis Engineering which was selected to spearhead these projects, the largest of which is the restoration of the Main Barn. Started the day before the Pear Harbor attack on December 6, 1941 (as evidenced by writing in concrete at the entrance) the barn served as the hub of the Tennessee Walking Horse community and notable for being home to the first repeat World Grand Champion stallion, Midnight Sun. 

Preservation efforts for the Main Barn began as far back as the 2010s when funds were raised to address major structural concerns with the building. The Friends of Franklin Parks hosted an event to rally support and funding, and “Raise the Roofs” has become a staple on the Franklin Calendar ever since. New trusses and columns were installed and the barn had a new lease on life. 

There was still plenty of work left to do, however, and in the early 2020s the city of Franklin prioritized the renovation of the Main Barn. Plans were made to revive it as an event center where it could re-claim its place of primacy in town while telling the story of Harlinsdale Farm to a new generation of Middle Tennesseeans.

Improvements and renovations included:

• Life safety upgrades such as a sprinkler system and egress doors with panic hardware
• The entire space was made handicap accessible including new ADA restrooms
• New drive all around the building with enhanced landscaping and exterior lighting
• A new floor throughout of compacted rubber pavers so the floor is safe for both patrons and horses
• New Roof
• Repaired exterior siding - with much of the original preserved!
• New large sliding doors at both ends
• Heaters within the main space
• New accessible restrooms
• A warming kitchen and “buffet room” to make the facility ideal for events
• Restored horse stalls to host future champions!
• Restoration of Mr. Harlin’s office including display of trophies and original artifacts
• Informational signage throughout to tell the farm’s story