Keith-Albee adding Founders Club thanks to $500,000 donation

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A new feature is being added to the historic Keith-Albee Theater, which has been undergoing a massive renovation project.

It was announced Wednesday morning that a donation of $500,000 is leading to the creation of a Founders Club in the space next to the venue.

The idea is to create a VIP experience before events.

The space could also be used to host wedding receptions and other celebrations.

The plan is for it to be open to the public the rest of the time.

This was all made possible, thanks to a $500,000 pledge from Huntington native Berridge Long Copen, whose family owned the land where the theater stands.

“Many of the theaters through the country have a club or Founders Club or a place you can go beforehand,” said Bob Plymale, the president of the theater’s board of directors. “Then you can go into the theater later. We think this adds a great value to the Keith-Albee and is a good use of this space.”

The club will consist of two floors with a speakeasy in the basement, Plymale said.

“Providing a palace of the arts is only going to bring everyone together but also show how important the arts can be for unity in the community,” said Mark Copen, who is Berridge’s son.

The hope is the new Founders Club will be able to open early next year, and they’re expecting to be able to hold events at the theater by late summer this year.