I recently had the opportunity to participate in the ribbon-cutting for the first phase of the new Peabody Place, a beautiful environment for our special senior residents. This new facility will provide the state-of-the-art living with the best amenities taking care of our seniors by looking at the whole person, not just the medical issues, and in a way that respects the individual needs of all residents.
Franklin is now undergoing a significant revitalization, most notably the redevelopment of our river into a first-in-the-region white water park designed and implemented by the non-profit Mill City Park. Already we have seen financial growth and investment in our city as more become aware of our many opportunities to enjoy small city life.
But it is not just about the whitewater park. In addition to Peabody Place for our special seniors, we have provided housing options for our entire Franklin community. We completed over 40 apartments through the Concord Area Trust for Community Housing (CATCH) which provides workforce housing in the redeveloped Franklin Light and Power Mill building. In addition, our vacant Steven’s Textile Mill is also being renovated as a “mixed-use” building of business, and over 150 market-rate apartments are projected to be completed by the end of 2023. And not to be forgotten is the redevelopment of our International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) building into nine high-end condominiums overlooking our evolving downtown sector.
This represents an investment of over $70M in our small city.
As we continue to redevelop, three restaurants will be opening this spring in Franklin, providing exciting dining options for all of our citizens. And as we continue to develop Peabody Place, we have been mindful of not just a safe place for residents but a true home for them.
Many years ago, when my grandmother was a resident at the Peabody Home, I spent an afternoon with her, playing familiar songs on the piano in the lovely living room. And the sense of home for myself and my grandmother was very present. This is so important to our residents and one that the new Peabody Place has clearly embraced, maintained and continues to develop. As its philosophy of care shifts away from a nursing home and more to a supportive role that recognizes our seniors as real people who have contributed so much to our community, Peabody Place has set the standard for future senior care of our most valued senior citizens and celebrates lives well lived.
Jo Brown, Mayor
City of Franklin
