Projects & Improvements
The Partnership has collaborated with many town departments and organizations to revitalize and beautify the downtown. The heart of our community is now bustling with eateries, shopping and entertainment. Sidewalks are easy to stroll, traffic flow and parking are improved; the center sparkles with attractive lighting and comfortable places to sit outside and relax. Listed below are the changes and improvements the Franklin Downtown Partnership has initiated over the past 20+ years.
Downtown Partnership Projects
Summary of projects by FDP in partnership with other Franklin organizations.
Ladybug Trail Spring Walk – 2023
Bakery patio murals, flower alley murals, Main Street alley murals
Ladybug & Cultural & Historical Trail – 2022
Annual Harvest Festival and Annual Strawberry Stroll, Holiday Stroll
Kindness Rock Garden
Historical Museum Green Space Design-2008
East Central Street bakery patio, Ferrera parking lot
Horace Mann Statue Dedication – 2021
“Keep it Local” campaign
Beautification: flowers throughout and Holiday Decorating: greenery and bows
Downtown Murals, Patio, Flower alley – 2021
Trash and recycling barrels, sign
Park benches and gateway signs
Hats Off to Franklin Statue at Historical Museum – 2008
Franklin Commons Redevelopment project Streetscape improvement project
East Central Street bakery patio, Ferrera parking lot
Horace Mann statue dedication
“Keep it Local” campaign
Downtown Partnership Projects
Ladybug Trail Spring Walk – 2023
Ladybug & Cultural & Historical Trail – 2022
Downtown Murals, Patio, Flower Alley – 2021
Horace Mann Statue Dedication – 2021
Kindness Rock Garden – 2018
Keep it Local Campaign – 2018
Green Space, Benches, Trash Barrels, Street Lighting – 2016
Holiday Stroll – 2016
Streetscape Improvement Project – 2016
Park Benches and Gateway Signs – 2016
Downtown Signs – 2016
Hats Off to Franklin Statue at Historical Museum – 2008
Historical Museum Green Space Design – 2008
Franklin Commons Redevelopment – 2006
Beautification & Winter Decoration Days – 2002
The Ladybug Cultural & Historic Trail - 2022
In 1974, a second-grade class from John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Franklin, MA, decided Massachusetts needed an official state insect. The students, and their teacher, Ms. Palma Johnson, selected the ladybug as their choice for the state insect.
The students learned how their proposal for a state insect could become a law. On March 20, 1974, dressed in their finest ladybug attire, the students went to the State House to support their Ladybug Bill. A month later, on April 17, 1974, Governor Francis W. Sargent signed the bill that made the ladybug the state insect of Massachusetts.
On the 40th anniversary of this achievement, the Franklin Cultural Council and The Rotary Club advanced a public art project in honor of the Kennedy Elementary second grade class, their teacher, and the Ladybug. The art project involved the participation of artists and businesses in the creation of 25, two-feet tall, fiberglass Ladybugs. Over time, the Ladybug sculptures were installed at public buildings, businesses and private residences.
In 2019, the Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) considered gathering the Ladybugs in downtown Franklin, the heart of Franklin’s Cultural District. They envisioned a trail that would feature 17 of the original Ladybug sculptures, several murals, and three bronze statues. Named the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail, visitors and residents would connect with Franklin’s culture and history while shopping, dining, and visiting downtown. In 2021, the FDP formed a committee to develop the project. The FDP unveiled the Ladybug Trail at its Strawberry Stroll on June 10, 2022.
Downtown Murals - 2021
Joining the trend toward public art, uninviting alleyways have been transformed into art galleries. Boarded up windows and rusted doors have become ideal canvases for color and beauty.
Horace Mann Greenspace - 2021
The Franklin Downtown Partnership was instrumental in working with the Franklin Town Council, Town Planning Department, and a local developer to secure this beautiful green space which serves as the gateway to the downtown. A bronze statue of Horace Mann was erected to honor the “Father of Public Education” who was from Franklin.
Hats Off to Franklin: the Straw Hat Boy Bronze Sculpture - 2008
This statue represents Franklin’s important contribution to straw hat manufacturing during the early 1900’s. The Downtown Partnership in conjunction with the Town Planning Department received an earmark grant from the state for this sculpture. A design committee was formed among community leaders, who selected a sculptor to design the statue.
Kindness Rocks - 2018
West Central Pocket Park - 2016
Collaborating with the Town Planning Department and DPW, the Partnership led the green space project which included donations from Hillside Nursery and local community banks. Green spaces and seating areas have been added over the years to make downtown Franklin attractive, comfortable and pedestrian-friendly.
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AFTER
Trash Receptacles - Before & After
Green Space Seating Area at Historical Museum - 2008
Working with the Town, the Partnership secured earmark funding that paid for the landscape architect to design this inviting downtown sitting area.
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AFTER
Waste Receptacles - 2016
The Partnership worked in conjunction with the town to secure funding to replace over 28 plain and dated trash receptacles throughout downtown with brand new receptacles.
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AFTER
Streetscape Improvement - 2016
The official unveiling of the new pedestrian and driving pattern opened the door to making downtown Franklin a more walkable and accessible dining and shopping district. FDP worked hand-in-hand with the Franklin Planning Department and DPW, both working very closely on the many details. Lamp posts and period lighting transformed the look of downtown. The Partnership along with Dean Bank were first to have lights added to trees on Main Street.
Downtown Signs - 2016
Welcome to Franklin! New signage in the very heart of downtown was an exciting addition during the time of the Partnership’s 15th anniversary. Working closely with Franklin’s state representative, the Downtown Partnership was able to secure the state earmark grant that paid for these attractive and inviting signs.
Building Revitalization - 2016
The Franklin Downtown Partnership collaborated with a local developer and the Town Planning Board to ensure a green space seating area would be included in the final plan.
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AFTER
Holiday Stroll - 2016
A chorus of singers entertained the community as they gathered at the main campus of Dean College.
Beautification & Holiday Decorating - 2002
Franklin has spring and winter decorating seasons. First initiated in 2002, downtown shops and public spaces are freshened up with new flowers and greens to welcome each new season. This effort is led by the Franklin Garden Club, with much support from the Downtown Partnership, Dept. of Public Works, and many adult and student volunteers within the community.
Membership & Donations
Join the Franklin Downtown Partnership. Click on the BECOME A MEMBER button. Fill out the registration form and pay by credit card or Paypal.
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Contact Us
Lisa Piana, Executive Director
9 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com
(774) 571-3109
