About Franklin Commons

History of the facility

Franklin Commons is an old (approximately 100 years) industrial building that has had only four owners and four uses. It was initially a silk mill, then a carpet mill, and in the mid-70’s it was purchased by Budd Company which moved here from Bridgeport. They made plastic pump parts for sewage treatment plants. In the mid-90’s, a division of the Budd Company purchased the building, made the same product, with the same employees. They ceased operations in approximately 2002.

Palma, L.P. bought the building on March 17, 2006 and  renovated the space to create a mixed use facility.
At the present time, approximately one-half of the tenants are educational or quasi-educational. Approximately 10% is still available to lease (18,000 s.f.).

Franklin Commons offers classroom, office, and even recreational space that can be custom-designed and built-to-suit. With 225,000 square feet, 200,000 of which is on one floor, the space is ideal for educational providers to configure and renovate to meet the growing demand for lifelong education. For corporate, recreational or office space needs, the flexible open floor plans and first-class common areas make the Franklin Commons a perfect choice. Franklin Commons offers bistro dining at the Franklin Bistro, reception and banquet facilities in Franklin Hall and our Conference Room for business or community meetings.