FRANKLIN — While Cool Springs' next big development is getting under way, passers-by can get a sneak peek at what mixed-use project McEwen could look like — as seen through the eyes of young artists.
Instead of fencing off the site of McEwen's more than 200,000 square feet of retail and 300 residential units above, developer Southern Land Co. decided to go with a more colorful option.
"We had an option to put up a plain fence, but as we thought more about it, we decided that artwork would make a much better impression on people passing by," said Southern Land Co. spokesman Jim Cheney.
The company decided to involve local art students, asking teachers in the Williamson County and Franklin Special school districts to have classes create murals depicting what they believe a mixed-use community should look like, including visual elements representing at least one of the major components of McEwen: commercial, retail and residential.
Southern Land Co. delivered to the schools plywood sheets for painting earlier this year, and the murals were installed early this summer on the site as part of a larger fence that will border the newly constructed McEwen Drive.
"They nailed it. It's just great," Cheney said of the submissions. "We get nothing but positive feedback and compliments on the appearance, and we are very proud that we are able to display such powerful work."
Now comes the next phase of the project: choosing a favorite mural to be named the winner.
An online poll at www.tennessean.com/williamsonam will help determine the top three, whose creators will receive prizes including a cookout pool party at Dwell, the apartment complex that's part of McEwen.
FSSD and Williamson County schools also will receive $3,000 apiece for their participation in the project.
Construction continues
Meanwhile, progress continues behind the artful fencing of the mixed-use development.
Anchor tenant Whole Foods has worked through its final phase of planning with the city of Franklin and is scheduled to break ground soon. Anthropologie, a trendy women's clothing store, and local beauty chain The Cosmetic Market also have plans to build at McEwen.
Half of the Dwell apartment complex's 258 units have been leased. The remainder of the apartment buildings is expected to be finished in October.
The six-floor office building on the 93-acre town center development is now open. So far, Southern Land Co. is the only occupant. Four other businesses yet to be named are ironing out lease agreements. Cheney says they are heavily courting regional and local businesses to move into the town center area. The 175,000-square-foot building will house retail, restaurants and offices.
Cheney says the company is cautiously moving forward on the town home and single-family component of the development as it reconsiders new price points for the homes as a result of the economic downturn. Work on the homes is expected to begin sometime in 2010.
"We haven't backed away from the vision that we want, but . . . two years or three years ago, there weren't the economic restraints we're looking at. We're having to be smarter," he said.