Another step toward revitalizing Russellville’s downtown area is underway. The Bricks Inn and Restaurant began its construction at the end of the summer and is expected to be finished by December of this year.

“As long as no accidents or problems pop up, we should be on schedule,” marketing manager Shelby Stephens said.

Trent and Michelle Stephenson are the owners of The Bricks, which gets its name from the interior exposed brick walls throughout the building.

“It’s a beautiful building with a lot of character, and we want to keep that alive,” Shelby said.

The bottom floor of the building will contain the kitchen, dining area and bathrooms, and the upper floor will house the five rooms available, one of which Shelby said will be a suite, for rent plus two banquet rooms.

Keeping with the character of the building and the area, the overall design theme will be rustic, Shelby said. Even the two banquet rooms that will be available to be rented out will retain that classic feel.

“We’re even going to make it possible for people to rent out the whole top floor – rooms and banquets – and we would cater for the event,” Trent said.

As for the restaurant, Shelby described the vision as a nice place to have a sit-down dinner with good food.

“This is something we love, and we want everybody else to love it as well,” Shelby said.

Shelby credited Dream Center members for help with the construction of The Bricks.

“We wouldn’t be opening if it wasn’t for them,” she said.

The Stephensons have lived in Russellville their whole lives and are looking to “invest into Russellville,” as Trent put it.

“We want to give back to the community and provide them with something they can use and need,” Michelle said.