Historic Theater Project Gets $5.5 Million Boost From State of Michigan

The historic Capitol Theater in downtown Flint, Michigan, is inching its way toward renovation after getting $5.5 million from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

The project includes an 1,800-seat theatre with 21,000-square feet of office space, State Rep. Phil Phelps, D-Flushing, said in a statement.

The project also will get a $500,000 grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and an expected $3.7 million federal Historic Tax Equity, the statement said.

A subsidiary of Uptown Reinvestment Corp. signed a deal to buy the Capitol Theatre from the Farah family in April.

At the time of the purchase, officials declined to release terms of the purchase, but said the venue “could be ready for a grand reopening in the next 18-24 months,” operating as a “first-class music and performing arts venue” for concerts, plays and other performances.

Capitol Theatre Auditorium, Flint, MI.

While Uptown will handle the redevelopment and restoration, The Whiting and its governing body, the Flint Cultural Center Corp. will manage operations, programming and marketing.

“The award today provides both critical funding and critical support in moving a project forward that has all the hallmarks of a classic renovation project,” said Jarret M. Haynes, Executive Director at The Whiting. “We would like to give our deep appreciation to the MEDC board for their confidence in this project. It’s critically important to moving the project forward.”

Read more and enjoy a photo gallery from the theatre in Dominic Adams MLive article

ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archive and on our website at historictheatres.org

images courtesy of Cinema Treasures

Capitol Theatre exterior by steelbeard1