Canteen on Carothers
The Challenge
After COVID-19 disrupted the norm of the corporate office environment, owners and developers were forced to adapt, creating spaces that give tenants a reason to come back to work in person. Office owners were losing tenants to developments with mixed-use elements. The client wanted to preserve the value of an existing office, increase rent, and reduce vacancies.
Canteen on Carothers is a prime example of adapting traditionally developed office space by adding a mix of uses and value to surrounding environments while creating a must-visit destination for the community.
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Client
Stockbridge Capital Group; Cushman & Wakefield
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Location
Franklin, Tennessee
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Size
10-acre site with multiple structures
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Distinguishing Features
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Family-friendly outdoor spaces including a covered structure for events and a water feature
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First-of-its-kind development that sets the precedent for introducing mixed-use into traditional, standalone office
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New four-tier parking deck
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The Design Solution
Canteen on Carothers includes six buildings comprising 28,000 square feet of restaurant and retail on the center piece of Corporate Centre campus in the Cool Springs area of Franklin, Tennessee. An initial concept of adding strip retail to the site was paused due to COVID-19. TMP was engaged to reimagine the masterplan for the redevelopment and became a trusted advisor for the developer throughout the process.
TMP proposed a large open space with smaller buildings surrounding it in front of the six-story office building, instead of simply adding a long strip of retail, focusing on open space and natural interest in the buildings. A four-tier, 600-car parking deck was positioned behind the existing office to keep views clear from the street and serve as an office amenity with direct access to the lobby. Prominent, glass stair towers and exterior illumination provide intentional wayfinding to visitors looking for parking.
Canteen is a significant placemaking project, featuring lots of open outdoor space, a central lawn, and a partially covered open structure for events. Visitors can enjoy a calming water feature and other small green spaces in the central courtyard — plus fun spots to capture the perfect selfie.
The retail and restaurant buildings are single-story, with the anchor corner designated for a restaurant with a high bay, clerestory windows, and the vibe of an old warehouse space adapted for current use.
The Design Impact
Canteen on Carothers elevates the new corporate environment, providing walkability, flexibility, and amenities that make a day at the office more than just a day at the office. This shift benefits owners, offering additional perks for future office tenants and the opportunity to increase rent and reduce vacancies.
