Franklin may soon have a new hot spot to hang out that once boomed with business more than fifty years ago.

We visited the Roxy Theatre, which is currently undergoing construction to both restore and preserve.

On the square in Franklin, you may see something you haven't before.

New lettering on the front of the building showcases the words "Roxy Theatre."

"There's always been a lot of sentiment with me and with people in this community towards the Roxy building here," said Brad Gregory, part owner of the Roxy Theatre.

Gregory along with several others went in to purchase the building to protect it from being destroyed.

"The fact that it's been so many years that it's been somewhat neglected, that the architecture was here, it was so many parts of it that were still in good shape," said Gregory.

But people sharing memories of the Roxy caused them to decide to renovate and re-open the theatre.

"People were coming to me," said Gregory. "Oh all these memories with the Roxy. 'My first kiss.' 'I proposed to my wife.' Just so many memories."

"Well, I was under 12 because I got in for fifteen cents," said Freddie Grace. "After I got over 12, I had to pay a quarter, but I went to it every Saturday."

Grace is also a store owner close to the Roxy.

He hopes it helps the downtown area, and he loves the memories the theatre brings.

"Mostly Roy Rogers, Gene Autry," said Grace. "Westerns were big, and it's the first building I was ever in that had air-conditioning."

With a Wurlitzer jukebox, a sweet shop, table-style seating in the auditorium, and live entertainment, many on the square believe it will help downtown.

"Catering shops," said Michelle Eilers, owner of Merle Norman of Franklin. "It's gonna be leased out for big banquets, wedding receptions. A couple of little office type things going in, and the more attention we can bring to the downtown area, the better off we all are."

"We just want something that is going to be sustainable for the future, for the generations to come," said Gregory. "Something that was built in 1938, that was kind of a one-of-a kind for Franklin."

They hope to be open early next year, and they say they love input from the community.

For more information on the Roxy Theatre click here.