Although the expansions don't include stadium seating or cup-holders, as seen in other area construction projects, the Michigan Theater has shelled out a total of $4.4 million during a three-phase series of renovations.
The main objective of the face-lift is to return the theater back to its original glory. In 1928, when the theater was showing silent movies, it was the "biggest" and "best" in Ann Arbor, said theater executive director Ross Collins.
Since then, the theater has already had two periods of restoration in 1982 and 1986, but the biggest work is still to be done. Collins said he expects completion by the summer of 2001.
The theater's long history is an inspiring one; it was only a wrecking ball away from destruction in 1979 when the newly-formed non-profit group the Michigan Theater Foundation stepped in and worked for its preservation.
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| David Rochkind/Daily Renovations will spruce up the Michigan Theatre's interior, but won't affect the marquee. |
"The community proved that they wanted to preserve the historic theater," Collins said. "It attracts and brings back parents and out-of-towners for a fun and unique experience."
Since its brush with death, the theater has hosted an impressive list of big name artists, performers, films, and just about any other form of entertainment available.
Traditionally, it has been a favorite site for veteran artists such as Bob Dylan and Lyle Lovett and for up-and-comers like Hootie and the Blowfish.
"You don't start out playing arenas," Collins said. "And some artists prefer to play in the theater setting."
Collins recalls Dylan complementing him on the "beauty" of the theater.
The Michigan specializes in independent and off-the-beaten-path films and documentaries, but it also shows some mainstream films such as "Clueless" and the soon-to-be-showing "There's Something About Mary."
In order to meet the demands of showing both films and live events, renovation plans include the addition of a new 200-seat theater to accompany the main theater which now seats more than 1,700. Collins decided to design the new theater in the same traditional decor as the old theater, rather than opting for a modern look.
"There is no modernization in terms of appearance," Collins said. "But there will be plenty of interesting things to look at in the new theater."
The theater will be a variation on the '20s-style feel of the rest of the building.
Currently, construction crews are working to complete the final phase of repair to the façade and balcony of the main theater, and have begun work on the Michigan's new theater.
Both the look of the theater and the type of films it shows have attracted a different type of audience than the bigger chains like Showcase Cinemas, said employee Sangita Baruah.
"Every once and a while, when we show something more mainstream, like 'Clueless,' there is a different type of crowd," Baruah said. "I guess you could call our usual crowd 'alternative.'"
Besides the '20s architecture, the Michigan Theater maintains its old-world appeal by outfitting employees in special "tuxedo suits" and by serving a variety of unusual concessions and refreshments - including beer.
Employee John Wyatt said one of the reasons he wanted to work at the theater was for the fringe benefits.
"Movies are free and its an easy job," Wyatt said. He said that the theater is one of few that shows independent films like "Buffalo 66," one of his favorites.
Besides the new theater, the Michigan will be undergoing a overhaul of some of the older technological systems.
Collins said improvements to the air-conditioning system are some of the more needed renovations.
"The air-conditioning systems need to be updated from the 1920s," Collins said. "It is state-of-the-art 1920s technology, but we're almost in the next century."
Besides air-conditioning, Collins said the addition of rest rooms will help keep customers comfortable.
Renovations to the Michigan Theater join construction efforts being made to its down-the-street neighbor the State Theater and Showcase Cinemas on Carpenter Road.
03-25-99
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