Michigan Theatre
217 S. Washington Street,
Lansing,
MI
48933
217 S. Washington Street,
Lansing,
MI
48933
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a little more history, and a few more photos: http://themichmashcenter.blogspot.com/2011/08/strand-theater.html.
I did my Architectural Thesis on the Restoration of the Michigan Theatre in 1977-9. I also worked for a Not For Profit to raise the monies and had my office in the building. Lansing wasn’t up to the task to restore it. I remember we brought in Dave Brubeck in to perform to raise money, still no good. It had so much potential,and was in sound condition….now the auditorium is a parking lot….I still have 2 of the seats, carpet, etc…..sad.
Thom Greene, Architect-Chicago
This is a 2008 photo of the Michigan Theater building.
A Barton theater organ size 3/11 was installed in the Strand Theater in 1925.
These photos of the original balcony now a roof that still shows the decor design are truly amazing to view, yet very sad!
Additional photos can be seen here.
Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1980
Strand Theatre and Arcade (added 1980 – Building – #80001871)
Also known as Michigan Theater and Arcade
211-219 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer: Eberson,John & Drew, Eberson,John
Architectural Style: Art Deco, Other
Area of Significance: Performing Arts, Architecture
Period of Significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Business, Theater
Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Business, Theater
I’m looking for the date of a Louie Armstrong and The All Stars concert at the Michigan. Believe this would have been in 1950 or 51. Any resources for this type of info? There is an outside chance it might have been at the Gladmer but I doubt it. I was 8 or 9 at the time.
This theatre WAS a beautiful theatre and Lansing lost a gem when they chose to discontine this EBERSON creation!
Here is a short bio:
http://tinyurl.com/gjwdu
I decided to revisit this link and now recall the sad photo of the balcony with parking lot below! So very sad for the citizens of Lansing! I used to have a college roommate from Lansing so perhaps I should contact her to ‘pick her brain’!
yes I believe so
“Although the auditorium could not be saved, its grand lobby, ballroom and storefront areas were transformed to their 20s grandeur. The focal point of the office foyer space is now the large marble staircase.” Is this part of present day office and retail complex, the Atrium Center?
Neo: Thanks! I looked through the photos and read some of the information, but am a bit confused. The balcony photo looks like it’s out in the elements with no roof? And when you say ‘it’s part of a parking lot" what do you mean as I viewed photos of altered office space and an exterior facade that looked like though not a theatre anymore which is such a shame as it was an atmospheric-Eberson theatre! Such a treasure and Lansing didn’t choose to preserve it for future generations. :–(
Patsy go to the link I posted above and scroll to the bottom.
This grand theater became a nothing victim of the automobile… it’s park of a parking lot
Since this Eberson theatre is listed as closed does that mean there is still hope for this movie palace in Lansing MI? It’s hard for me to understand why a community that has an Eberson theatre would let it be listed as closed and not restored!
Bryan, I show the address for the Michigan Theatre as 217 So. Washington, Lansing, when I checked the two sites on the above posts it lists the theatre on So. Washington also.
Pics:
View link
Looked like a grand theater
This vacant office building is owned by Paul Gentilozzi Real Estate. The Lansing State Journal listed the property value at $2.8 Million:
View link
If you have aspirations to turn this back into a theatre you better come correct with some jack in your pocket. It would take close to an overall $10 Million to make it cool again.
Since you didn’t bother to read the description Michael, this theater was converted to offices. There’s nothing to turn into an opera house.
The theatre organ from this location has been installed in the Grand Ledge Opera House. Occasional concerts are held there.
When it operated as a theater, it was owned by W.S. Butterfield Theatres. It had a plaque in its lobby in which Col. Butterfield thanked the people of Lansing for their support.
This theater was renamed the Michigan in 1940s.