A Landmark Reimagined: The Story of The Elevator 

In the heart of downtown Franklin, directly across from the magnificent Johnson County Courthouse, stands a building that has been a quiet witness to history for over 130 years. 26 East Jefferson Street is more than just brick and mortar; it’s a piece of the town’s soul, a landmark woven into the fabric of a community that prides itself on blending tradition with innovation.   

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A Foundation of Commerce

Our story begins in 1892, a decade after the courthouse became the anchor of the town square. A local visionary, W.A. McNaughton, constructed the building with a modern cast-iron facade and large glass windows—a design that stood out among the classic Italianate architecture of the era. It was built for business, and it immediately became a cornerstone of the community as the home of the M.J. Voris Company, a bustling dry goods store. In the late 19th century, this was the town hub, the place where families bought fabrics for their clothes and caught up on the news of the day. The business was so successful that the Voris Company purchased the building outright just four years later, cementing its status as a premier commercial property.   

 

A Front-Row Seat to Franklin's Traditions

For more than a century, the windows of 26 E. Jefferson have offered a front-row seat to the traditions that define Franklin. This building has watched generations of families gather for the magical Holiday Lighting parade, the festive Fall Festival, and the spooky fun of Halloween Town. It has been a silent spectator to the farmers markets, the art fairs, and the simple Saturday nights that make this town a true community. By being a constant presence at the center of it all, our building has become part of Franklin's collective memory.   

 

Giving Ambition a Lift

Today, we are the next chapter in this building's long and storied history. We call ourselves The Elevator, a name inspired by a piece of history tucked within these walls: the original freight elevator. That elevator is no longer in service, but it stands as a silent monument to a bygone era—a workhorse that once lifted the goods that supplied a community.

That legacy inspired our new mission. The physical machine once lifted goods; today, The Elevator Franklin lifts ideas, businesses, and celebrations. We’ve transformed this historic space into a modern hub for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creators, providing the resources needed to succeed in the 21st century. Our versatile venue is also the perfect backdrop for life’s special moments, from parties to training sessions.   

The name is our promise: to continue the building’s legacy of upward momentum. We invite you to step inside, make your own history, and become part of the continuing story of 26 East Jefferson Street.