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The Factory at Franklin
Franklin, Tennessee
Audio System, Lighting
We are proud to call Franklin, Tennessee home. Franklin is also home to “The Factory at Franklin,” one of Middle Tennessee's most popular destinations. This campus of buildings, which was once a stove factory, has been beautifully restored to serve as a vibrant gathering place where people come to shop, dine, celebrate, and experience community. As the property evolved, ownership sought technology solutions that would enhance every guest experience while honoring the character and history of the iconic building.
The Factory's vision was simple: create memorable experiences for every guest who walks through the doors. Whether visitors were enjoying an afternoon of shopping, attending a concert, hosting a corporate event, or celebrating a wedding, technology needed to support the experience without becoming the focus. The goal was to create inviting spaces with exceptional audio and lighting that felt effortless for guests while giving staff the flexibility to support a wide variety of daily activities and special events. Mankin partnered with The Factory team to understand how each space would be used and designed solutions that elevated the guest experience while remaining virtually invisible within the historic architecture.
Every design decision centered around one question: “How can technology make the experience better? For the main mall, Mankin designed a distributed audio system that delivers consistent, natural sound throughout the campus, creating an inviting atmosphere while providing reliable paging capabilities when needed. In Liberty Hall, flexibility was the priority. The event space needed to accommodate everything from community gatherings and corporate presentations to concerts, receptions, and private celebrations. Mankin designed a sound reinforcement and public address system that could adapt to each event while remaining intuitive for the team operating it. To further enhance the arrival experience, architectural lighting was incorporated around the central entrance bar, creating a warm focal point that welcomes guests and complements the building's industrial character.
The completed systems work together to create an environment where technology quietly supports every interaction. Guests experience clear, consistent audio as they move throughout the property. Event organizers in Pioneer Hall have dependable sound reinforcement that helps every presentation, performance, and celebration connect with its audience. The architectural lighting around the central gathering space adds warmth and energy that encourages people to linger, connect, and enjoy the atmosphere.
For us, installation is only the beginning of the relationship. As a destination that serves guests every day and hosts events throughout the year, reliable performance is essential. Through ongoing support, Mankin helps ensure the technology continues to perform as intended, allowing The Factory team to focus on delivering exceptional experiences instead of troubleshooting equipment. When technology works seamlessly in the background, staff gain confidence, event organizers have peace of mind, and guests remember the experience—not the equipment.
Yamaha MTX5D
Yamaha XMV8140-D
Yamaha VS4Ws
Apple iPad
Yamaha WXC-50
Dell Optiplex 3090
HP Aruba J9777A
Digital Control Panel
Launch Photo Gallery
Today, The Factory at Franklin continues to grow as one of the area’s premier destinations for tourists and a perfect “third place”, beyond home, work, or school, for the local community. Its rich history is part of what makes The Factory unique, with stories woven into every space and waiting to be experienced by each new generation of guests. The integrated audio and lighting systems build on those stories, enhancing the atmosphere without competing with the property’s historic character and charm. The result is a destination where the past and present come together to create spaces where people naturally gather, celebrate, and connect.
By understanding The Factory’s vision first and designing technology around the guest experience, Mankin delivered solutions that support the destination today while providing the flexibility to serve its community well into the future.