New Studio Tenn theater unveiled with help of Kathie Lee Gifford, donors

Turner Theater rendering

By: Chris Gadd for The Tennessean, Feb 7, 2023

“Franklin’s professional theater company, Studio Tenn, is moving into The Factory at Franklin as part of the retail and event center's major makeover. 

The move is happening, too, while the surrounding area is being explored as an arts and entertainment district. 

The new location and operations for a permanent theater was announced Tuesday at The Factory. The performance venue will be named Turner Theater after major donor Cal Turner Jr., and the lobby will be named after Calvin and Marilyn LeHew. The LeHews' bought the factory decades ago when the complex was in disrepair and began the revitalization process to its current form as a shopping, retail and event space.

Kathie Lee Gifford, television personality and now Franklin resident, joined Turner, whose family founded Dollar General, and Calvin LeHew as speakers at the event.”