Master Plan Complete for Historic Michigan Theatre
JACKSON, MI — Press Release: Theatre Rehabilitation Master Plan Complete for Historic Michigan Theatre in Jackson; Design Team is Led by GunnLevine Architects with Consulting Architects, SmithGroup, Inc.
Detroit-based GunnLevine Architects and consulting architect SmithGroup, Inc., completed rehabilitation master planning services for the Michigan Theatre in Jackson.
Since the theatre’s completion in 1930, the city of Jackson has experienced significant cultural changes, transitioning from a manufacturing base to a community that values itself as a leader in arts and educational programming. The current leadership plans to update the theatre’s programming to include movies, concerts, Community Theatre, children’s film festivals, special events and more.
Edward D. Francis, FAIA, lead architect and Principal for GunnLevine comments, “The interior, while smaller than the fabulous FOX in Detroit, is its equal in terms of decorative plaster, elaborate moldings, decorative tile, wood paneling, and ornamental ironwork. It’s the only theatre of its kind in mid-Michigan.”
The Michigan Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Historic Register and is located in a designated Historic District of Jackson, MI. The master plan completion is targeted for April of 2006.
GunnLevine Architects (www.gunnlevine.com) is a Detroit-based architectural firm that offers client-driven solutions in planning and design. A recognized leader in healthcare and education, the firm also offers expertise in historical preservation, corporate offices, and nonprofit work. In its 31-year history, GunnLevine has completed more than 1,500 projects representing a cumulative value in excess of $3.8 billion.
SmithGroup, Inc. (www.smithgroup.com) established in 1853, SmithGroup is the longest operating architecture and engineering firm in the U.S. SmithGroup’s primary markets include health, learning, science and technology, workplace and interiors. SG has offices in Detroit, MI, Chicago, IL, Ann Arbor, MI; Los Angeles, CA; Madison, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Phoenix, AZ; San Francisco, CA; and Washington, D.C.
Comments (3)
Theatre Rehabilitation Master Plan is such a general term. It would be interesting to know what was actually done. Much success to those involved in managing this beautiful theatre.
Thanks for your compliment and suggestion! In response to your concern for lack of detail, the project is very preliminary and therefore, its difficult for us to disclose the scope of work, since it has yet to be finalized. As it evolves, more information will be made available, thanks again!
Congratulations to the folks of Jackson MI for realizing the importance of preserving their hometown theatre, the MICHIGAN!