A New Chapter for 544 Walnut Street: Reviving History, Building Community

In the heart of the Franklinton Arts District, along the stretch of Walnut Street between Rich and Town, Compton Construction is quietly but steadily working to turn history into a new kind of future. Our latest project, 544 Walnut Street, is a small but significant piece of that larger vision.

Once a neglected house burdened by years of disrepair and difficult memories, 544 Walnut had become an unofficial shelter for those struggling with addiction. When we first stepped inside, it was filled with the remnants of hardship — five full dumpsters of debris were cleared just to begin imagining what could be possible. Beneath the damage, however, we saw what we always look for: potential.

Today, 544 Walnut has been thoughtfully and lightly renovated, respecting the original bones of the structure while restoring its livability. It is now a simple, functional two-bedroom home — not designed for luxury, but for purpose. We envision

it as a residence for artists and creatives, people who can help anchor and energize the revitalization of Walnut Street. By bringing in those who are passionate about art, music, culture, and community, we hope to help fuel the next chapter of Franklinton’s storied history.

But 544 Walnut is just one part of a much larger transformation. Across the 400 and 500 blocks, Compton Construction is carefully restoring eight historic houses — and possibly more — into new spaces for the community to gather, create, and connect. Some homes are being combined to serve larger purposes:

• 510 and 514 Walnut are being joined to become a flagship retail space for Good Land Brands, a neighborhood purveyor of lifestyle goods.
• 530, 532, and 536 Walnut are on the way to becoming a music hall, designed to host local and regional artists and add a live music venue to the fabric of Franklinton.
• 494 Walnut will be reimagined as a new restaurant, offering a place for neighbors and visitors alike to experience Franklinton hospitality.
• 500 Walnut became Sweeney’s Walnut Street Tavern in 2024, now a neighborhood fixture that feels like it’s been there forever — the kind of place where everyone knows your name.

The goal isn’t just revitalization — it’s reimagination. We’re not replacing history; we’re building upon it, preserving the character of Walnut Street while giving it new life as a small but vibrant entertainment district within the larger Franklinton Arts District.

Franklinton has always been a neighborhood of resilience, creativity, and renewal. With each house restored and each project completed, we are committed to ensuring that Walnut Street continues to embody that spirit.

544 Walnut is more than a renovation — it’s a home for the artists and dreamers who will help shape what comes next.