Save the Franklin Theatre!
... be part of something special ...
The enduring romance with the Franklin Theatre began in the summer of 1937. The marquee spilled brilliantly onto Main Street inviting citizens countywide to see "Night Must Fall," starring Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell.
And they came -- young and old, black and white, rich and poor. They laughed, they cried, they dreamed. And, together, within the illuminated walls of the Franklin Theatre, unforgettable moments occurred and memories were made.
In the 72 years that followed, life changed dramatically. But for the most part, the Franklin Theatre stood timeless, becoming one of the most beloved small-town movie houses in the South. Fresh-popped corn, first kisses and saving pennies for the Saturday matinee became pastimes shared from one generation to the next.
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON HISTORIC FRANKLIN THEATREAnticipated completion date is Spring 2011After two and a half years of fundraising, planning and public anticipation, the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County is rebuilding the historic Franklin Theatre on Main Street in downtown Franklin. “So many people made this project possible,” said David Garrett, president of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County, which owns the Franklin Theatre. “This is a big moment for Franklin, and we are extremely proud of and humbled by the opportunity to restore and expand this fixture on Main Street.” Built in 1937, the Franklin Theatre has a storied history, but had fallen into disrepair and ceased operations in 2007. The Heritage Foundation, with the support of hundreds of donors, was able to purchase the theater in late 2007 and has been planning its restoration and expansion ever since. The dream to save the theater started with a $1.75 million loan to purchase the buildings from longtime Heritage Foundation board member and volunteer Emily Magid. Lead donors include Cal Turner, who kick-started the renovation project with the first major challenge grant of $1 million; the Martin Foundation – Charlie and Shannon Martin offered a matching challenge grant of $1.5 million; and Magid forgave the loan to meet Turner’s challenge. Other large gifts followed and there was an enormously successful campaign to sell more than 200 seats in the future theater for $2,500 each. Hundreds of others chipped in with gifts ranging from thousands to $5 and $10 cash donations placed in boxes at festivals and through a number of benefits. Countless organizations jumped in to support the effort. Hasting Architecture was selected for the design work, with the goal to seek inspiration from the theater’s Depression-era Art Deco design and make it a state-of-the-art, multi-use entertainment venue for live performances, movies and events. Batten & Shaw will serve as the general contractor, and First Farmers & Merchants Bank is handling the financing to fund the gap before pledges are fully collected. The theater will be a LEED-certified project, meaning it will meet national standards for green buildings, and will be the first LEED-certified restoration in Franklin. The size of the two buildings comprising the Franklin Theatre will be increased by 50 percent, and will include a catering kitchen, green room, storage and backstage space. The theater’s sprinkler system includes the neighboring building, ensuring that one more historic building will have added protection from fire. The restoration will include the replacement of the neon marquee that graced the front of the building from 1937 until the early 1970s. See below how we envision our Franklin Theatre when it reopens in Spring 2011.... |
... architectural renderings ...
|
|
|
|
The historic theatre marquee is being re-created with new environmentally friendly LED lights. We look forward to seeing it on Main Street in 2011. 
The new lobby will be much larger than the old one, making more room for concessions.
The balcony, gone for more than 40 years, is coming back with this restoration and includes a luxurious lounge area.
The auditorium will accommodate movies, live performances and events. Sound and production quality will be state-of-the-art to welcome all of our local talent.
... About The Heritage Foundation ...
The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving our historic resources in Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee. Among our programs is the award-winning Main Street Program, the Downtown Franklin Association, which promotes and revitalizes the 150 unique places to explore in the 15-block downtown National Register District.
The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County was founded in 1967 and has a long history of preserving historic resources. The Foundation started with a group of citizens with vision who wanted to protect the historic resources that make Franklin and Williamson County a special place. The efforts of the Foundation have played a major role in keeping Franklin and Williamson County from becoming "Anywhere USA."
The Heritage Foundation and its division, the Downtown Franklin Association, are nationally recognized as being among the most successful and largest preservation groups in the country. To learn more about the Heritage Foundation, please visit www.historicfranklin.com.
... how can you help? ...
Many individuals in this community have stepped forward to support the Save the Franklin Theatre project, and more financial aid is needed. Gifts of all sizes will make a big difference. Theatre seat sales are $2,500 per seat; businesses may jump on board with the purchase of a medallion star giving perpetual advertising for years to come at $25,000; and for those who want to show up at the movies when it first opens, you may buy 4 tickets for $30 good until 2011 or purchase a theatre curtain remnant shadow box for $40. For more information on theatre gifts, please call Kristy Williams at 615.591.8500 Ext 18 or email info@historicfranklin.com or visit the Heritage Foundation office located inside the historic Five Points Post Office at 510 Columbia Avenue.