| Property Type |
theater
|
| Historic Use |
COMMERCE/TRADE
RECREATION AND CULTURE
|
| Current Use |
COMMERCE/TRADE
RECREATION AND CULTURE
|
| Style |
Exotic Revival
|
| Architect/Builder |
Maurice Finkel
|
| Narrative Description |
Built in 1927 The Michigan Theater Building consists of a two-story row of seven street level shops with office space above, as well as a magnificent 1,827 seat movie theater. The structural shell is reinforced concrete and brick. The Theater portion contains a triple arcade with round, yellow terra cotta arches supported by slender moorish columns. The rest of the building is more sober with a rectangular facade.
|
| Statement of Significance |
The Michigan Theater Building is Ann Arbor's only surviving theater from the silent picture and Vaudeville age. The Theater started performances with silent movies, concerts, touring theater companies, and Vaudeville performances. Jack Benny, Bing Crosby and Ethel Barrymore all performed at some point in the theater's history. The Barton Theater Organ designed for silent movie accompaniment remains intact. The rest of the building remains barely altered and continues to house offices and businesses.
|
| Period of Significance |
1901-1930
|
| Significant Date(s) |
1927
|
| Registry Type(s) |
11/28/1980 National Register listed
09/17/1981 State Register listed
|
| Site ID# |
P3829
|
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