R.E. Franks Center

Rent the Thelma Melohn Gymnasium for Weddings Receptions, Banquets, Reunions, Parties, Showers, Shows and Athletic Practices or Sports Events.

As Seen on The Knot

10% Discount for Philo Residents
15% Discount for Active Military

Features of our Event Center

3,000 Square Feet, Maximum Capacity of 350 People

Performance and Theater Stage

Tables, Chairs, Stage & Projection Screen

Kitchenette with Sink, Refrigerator and Microwave

Two Basketball Hoops and Volleyball Net Hookup

Bleachers, Scoreboard and Two Locker Rooms

FREE WiFi for Event Guests!

IMG_2909
IMG_2906
IMG_2904
franks320-outside
IMG_2914
franks300-santa

AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT

village-refranks-24

13 - 8 Foot Rectangle Tables

2 - 6 Foot Rectangle tables

20 - 5 Foot Round Circular Tables

250 - Metal Folding Chairs

Integrated Sound System (CD, Phone, iPod)

Wired Microphone, Sports Microphone, Mic Stand

Portable 60”x60” Screen ($10/day)

2 - Power Strips with 2 Extension Cords (50')

Portable Stage ($25 Set Up)

Wireless Microphone ($20 / Day)

Hourly Pricing

$25 / Hour

  • Available 7 Days a Week
  • Starting at 1PM on Weekdays
  • Rent Four Sessions, Next One is Free
  • Sports, Basketball, Volleyball
  • Walk or Run in Bad Weather
  • Staff Available to Open & Close

Daily Pricing

$250 / Day

  • Available 7 Days a Week
  • Starting at 1PM on Weekdays
  • Receptions or Banquets
  • Family or Class Reunions
  • Stage for Shows or Plays
  • Staff Available to Open & Close

Weekend Pricing

$500 / Weekend

  • Rent an Entire Weekend
  • Reservation Starts at 1pm Friday
  • Extra Day to Set Up Your Event
  • Perfect for Weddings
  • Tables, Chairs, Kitchenette
  • Staff Available to Open & Close

*Please note that a Daycare rents the building on Monday through Friday. Per DCSF regulations, only the gym area is available those days between 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Restrooms are available in locker room area.

*If you rent four  1-hour or 2-hour sessions, then you get the 5th session of the same time length for free.

*Philo residents receive a 10% discount.  Active U.S. Military personnel receive a 15% discount not to be combined with any other discount.

Andrew

1 Reviews

My (now) wife and I were very impressed with this reception hall. Everything was clean. We had great help setting everything up for our wedding reception. It was reasonably priced (especially since we had it Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday). And to make it better, we didn't have to take down tables or chairs or even mop the floor. Just get our stuff out. I can't really say enough positive things about our experience using the RE Franks Center. We definitely recommend them.

Christine

2 Reviews

The staff at the Franks Center were so easy to work with. This is essentially a blank canvas that you can go crazy with! I am so glad that we did our ceremony and reception at the Franks Center. The staff was willing to meet with us whenever necessary to tour, measure, prep the venue and they made this process very easy on us. There were no limitations on decorations and they provide you with high quality tables, and basic folding chairs.

Katie

9 Reviews

Janet and Allen at the R.E. Franks Meeting Center helped make our budget wedding amazing! Beyond the reasonable price of the venue, and its unique features (e.g., stage with lights and working curtain, dressing rooms up staircases that flank the stage), they were very flexible and accommodating with our wedding needs. Time changes, furniture requirements, technical questions, and planning input were all helpful and very much appreciated. Great job! We'll definitely consider them for future, large events! them.

Jill

1 Review

All of the Frank's Center Staff were wonderful to work with. They were very accommodating with any requests we had. They were also very flexible with the set up times. The only advice I have is watch the number of guests you will have. It will hold 350 as it states on the website, but that is only if the tables are placed lengthwise and end to end. We had 240 guests with a mix of round and long tables and it was not crowded but it was full. I could not be happier with this location for our wedding reception

How to Rent the R.E. Frank's Center & Gym

Book our facility for your next event! Start by downloading our Rental Application, Waiver Forms and Rental Information Packet

Calendar of Events

(Hover over date and click times to check for availability)

Contact the Village Office to Request Rental

To check availability or ask questions, you can fill out the form or call us at the Village of Philo Office at 217-684-2562 (8am - 11am M-F)

=

The R. E. Franks Meeting Center (REFMC) regularly receives requests from individuals and organizations to utilize the meeting center free of charge. Requests may come from non-profit organizations, community groups, youth service organizations, families of the ill or deceased, etc.

The Village of Philo is committed to facilitating programs of benefit to its residents. Therefore, a Free Rental Program has been established to accommodate eight free events per fiscal year. If you are interested, please download the Free Rental Program Application below and submit it to the Village Office.