PLAINFIELD — A plan to renovate and activate a historic theater in downtown Plainfield is one step closer to reality.
On Monday, the Plainfield Town Council approved a letter of intent with Keller Huff Restaurant Group to move forward on a proposal to renovate and activate the Prewitt Theatre.
According to the town of Plainfield, the theater was acquired by the town in 2018. The town restored the historic marquee and conducted a feasibility study on the building. After a request for proposal process, the Keller Huff Restaurant Group approached the town to show interest in redeveloping the property.
"The Town of Plainfield is enthusiastic and eager to enter a partnership with Keller Huff Restaurant Group," Town Manager Andrew Klinger said in a statement. "Their development plan for the historic theater aligns well with the town's conceptual downtown redevelopment plan. They are proposing a dining option and an event space for live entertainment, both strong desires from the community."
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The Prewitt Theatre opened in 1927 and eventually was renamed the Village Theatre until it closed in 2005. The theater has sat vacant since that time.
The proposal from Keller Huff, outlines a desire to bring an "upscale and unique but classic and casual" dining experience to Plainfield. According to the town, customers will be able to dine inside the old theater, on the rooftop, or inside the old law office which will be transformed into the bar area. The theater space will be renovated into a lounge and event space. The space is designed to accommodate weddings, comedy shows, concerts, live music, business meeting and movies.
"Our group is looking forward to enhancing the historic fabric of our great community," Doug Huff, co-owner of Keller Huff Restaurant Group, said. "We are committed to making this project an anchor in town, and to create and maintain a quality dining experience second to none in the area. Patrick Keller and I have a proven track record as local developers and will develop this artistic event venue and upscale restaurant as a local and regional attraction for individuals and businesses."
According to the town, a project agreement between the town and the company will be developed over the next couple of months. Keller Huff Restaurant Group intends to begin renovations on the project immediately, according to the town.
"We are confident our restaurant and event space will satisfy the growing need for locally sourced great food and quality, unique experiences in downtown Plainfield," Patrick Keller, co-owner of Keller Huff, said. "With the exciting developments of the parking structure, The Barlow, the new Government Center, and a potential performing arts center, we are confident our project will complement the redevelopment of downtown Plainfield and be a go to experience for anyone."
