Catenary Rings Anchor Franklin, Ohio’s Award Winning Main Street Streetscape

Franklin, Ohio’s historic Main Street has undergone a major revitalization to create a more walkable, welcoming downtown. At the center of the redesign, the city envisioned a signature lighting feature that would draw people into the space after dark. Structura’s custom catenary system — three floating RGBW Volta rings suspended over the main intersection — became that focal point.

The Challenge:

The city wanted a dramatic, multi-tiered chandelier effect supported by only four poles. The rings are massive outdoor luminaires, with the largest reaching 15 feet in diameter, requiring precise cable geometry and careful sag control. Field driven changes to the intersection’s diagonal spacing also forced rapid on site adjustments, including raising pole heights after fabrication. Integrating large RGBW drivers cleanly into the pole tops added another layer of complexity.

The Solution:

Structura engineered a custom catenary system built around three RGBW Volta rings, four pipe poles, and a network of cable assemblies and anchor plates tuned for alignment and stability. The structural elements were intentionally minimized so the rings appear to float above the intersection.

THE IMPACT:

Franklin now describes the redesigned intersection as a “central gathering point and visual anchor” for the district. The project earned the 2023 APWA Project of the Year Award (Southwest Ohio Chapter), and visitors consistently praise the rings’ nighttime presence and the flexibility of the RGBW lighting for events and holidays.

“Structura was the best fit to deliver the impact and scale required for this complex project. Through hands-on design support, close collaboration, and strong attention to detail, they helped transform the original concept into a realized lighting solution for the Franklin Mainstreet project.”

- Matt Minard

Senior Lighting Design

KLH Engineers, Inc