SouthStar LLC and Highwoods Properties, held a groundbreaking celebration on the grounds of Ovation, located at the corner of McEwen Drive and Carothers Parkway in the heart of Cool Springs. Ovation will be the first in-market, upscale lifestyle destination in Franklin, Tennessee. State and local officials, as well as numerous community leaders attended the VIP celebration that included live entertainment, celebrity guests, and curated cocktails from Kix Brooks’ Arrington Vineyards.
Ovation will be an upscale urban development created from a traditional suburban setting. It will be a fluid community weaving together the lives of those who live, work and visit this upscale destination. To date, more than $20 million of infrastructure has been invested in the 145-acre site and retail construction is expected to begin next spring.
Ed Fritsch, President and CEO of Highwoods, and Glenn Wilson, CEO of SouthStar LLC, jointly stated, “This groundbreaking event marks our next step towards creating a truly unique best in class destination in the City of Franklin and Williamson County. Highwoods and SouthStar have carefully crafted a comprehensive, long-term vision for Ovation that redefines the term ‘lifestyle community’. It will be an immersive, open-air setting that will encourage collaboration and promote interactions among the wide range of people living, visiting and working there.”
SouthStar LLC plans to develop nearly 500,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 950 residential units, and 450 hotel rooms at a yet to be announced boutique hotel and a limited service hotel. Highwoods plans to develop up to 1.4 million square feet of office space and Bristol Development Group Inc., plans to develop living spaces from apartment homes to upscale million dollar estates.
One of the main goals of Ovation is to create a workplace of the future, providing a very inviting and connective setting for companies seeking to retain and attract the best talent.
Fritsch noted, “Emerging companies, corporate headquarters and boutique firms looking to create a high performance work culture will appreciate the extended creative space Ovation will offer beyond the traditional four walls.”
Ovation will attract standout restaurants and sophisticated retailers who want to be part of a vibrant neighborhood and not just a storefront.
“Ovation will be a first-in-class destination with an unprecedented focus on retail, entertainment, service and experience. Before the end of the year we expect to announce a variety of tenants,” said Glenn McGehee, President of SouthStar LLC. “Entertainment and experience is Ovation.”
“American Pickers” star Michael Wolfe hosted today’s event and applauded Ovation’s preservation efforts, citing that of the 145 acres Ovation occupies, approximately one third is being dedicated to green space.
Joining Wolfe on stage were internationally acclaimed musical act High Valley, while Michael W. Smith, CMA Awards Producer Robert Deaton, and other Williamson County residents enjoyed the groundbreaking festivities for this truly unique addition to the Middle Tennessee landscape.
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