Restoring a Piece of Franklin's History
The new home to John Henry Co., 110 3rd Ave N, was built by local contractor Green Williams, just around the corner from the original Post Office and Fire Station in downtown Franklin, TN. He and his wife Lottie Williams would call this house home for many years after its completion in 1895, as would many other small businesses over the years, until Fall 2025 when our family had the privilege of purchasing the building. Over the last few months, we have been on a journey to restore this home to its original glory and honor its unique features and historic prowess in Downtown Franklin.
Phase One: Uncovering the Past
Every restoration begins with a little curiosity. Before we could imagine what this space would become, we wanted to understand what it once was.
As we carefully peeled back decades of renovations, we discovered pieces of the home's original character hiding beneath the surface. Layer by layer, original fireplaces emerged from behind drywall, intricate moulding reappeared beneath generations of paint, fragments of historic wallpaper offered a glimpse into another era, and hardwood floors that had been hidden for decades reminded us of the countless footsteps that came before ours.
Each discovery reinforced our commitment to preserving the story of this remarkable building. Rather than erase its history, we chose to let it guide the future of John Henry Co.
Phase Two: Honoring the Original Craftsmanship
With the home's historic details uncovered, the real restoration could begin.
Countless hours were spent carefully stripping away layers of paint, repairing original woodwork, and bringing each architectural feature back to life. Every fireplace, piece of trim, and historic detail deserved the patience and craftsmanship that first created it more than a century ago.
Only after returning the building to its original bones could we begin adding our own chapter to its story. Our goal was never to modernize its character, but to thoughtfully preserve it while creating a home that reflects the values and heritage of John Henry Co.
Phase Three: A New Chapter for 110 3rd
The final phase brought warmth and personality back into every room.
Original baseboards were lovingly restored, fresh paint breathed new life into the historic walls, and each space was thoughtfully designed to blend Southern tradition with the timeless spirit of the American Southwest. The result is a store that feels collected rather than created, a place where history, craftsmanship, and culture exist together.
Just as every piece of jewelry we carry tells the story of its maker, we hope this building tells the story of the generations who came before us while welcoming those who walk through its doors today.
For us, this restoration has always been about more than opening a storefront. It has been about preserving a piece of Franklin's history, honoring the craftsmanship of those who built it, and creating a home where the traditions of the American West and Native American artistry can continue to be shared for generations to come.
