Chill & Grill
Franklin’s DQ updating
The Franklin Dairy Queen on N. Morton (US 31 north) will be getting a new facelift. The Greenhouse that so many have sits and enjoyed for many years will be no more. Watching the traffic on US 31 and gulping down a chilly blizzard will still be possible, but not under the glass solarium.
The Napier’s owners of the store will be doing some extensive remodeling as a move to modernize the facility within DQ’s new philosophy of “Chill & Grill”. The Old DQ Brazier’s is becoming the newer, more modern upbeat “Chill & Grill”.
US Architects designed the concept and plans for the remodel for the new look. They are a nationally recognized architectural company.
Jerry Hoffman says, “ The place will get a new facelift, eliminating the greenhouse and replacing it with a outside patio”. The now enclosed glass solarium where patrons can sit and watch traffic pass by will be torn out. A wall will be build just inside that location, actually making the inside slightly smaller.
The existing greenhouse space sits on a lowered level. That area will be replaced by an outdoor patio servicing 60-seats for patrons. New Chimneys, lighting, furniture and concrete work will transform this relic into a modern day wonder.
T & W Contractors of Indianapolis will be doing the general contracting work. Andrew Huey of T & W Construction notes, “The work will start around January 12th, weather permitting”. The work will have to be done in at least two phases. Huey says, “Phase one is expected to be completed in about six weeks, then we will wait for warmer weather to complete phase two”.
Phase two will have the need for warmer weather. Things like pouring concrete and mortar, requires working above freezing temperatures. That also means that the finishing touches will not be completed until that time.
There will be crews from three to six men and also sub-contractors working in tandem to get the project completed.
Patrons will still be able to come by and get what fancies their pleasure taste buds in the interim.
This will be a beautiful added facade to the US31 gateway in Franklin. With numerous projects adding beauty to the gateway this Dairy Queen will one of the many jewels to admire.
