DETROIT'S MAJESTIC THEATER RENOVATION: ANOTHER ENCORE ON WOODWARD AVE!

Detroit News — Midtown's Majestic Theatre will undergo a $1 million renovation to restore the façade and upgrade the stage, first-floor café and concert hall.

The project was announced Tuesday in conjunction with news AEG Presents, which signed a deal to increase the number of concerts at the venue.

The entertainment spot on Woodward Avenue will undergo three project phases.

In the first phase, contractors will focus on replicating the original marquee from 1934 with limestone and black granite accents. They also will restore the ceilings inside the concert venue.

The Garden Bowl bowling alley has operated for 104 years inside the Majestic's complex. The theater, designed by C. Howard Crane, opened in 1915.

Contractors also plan to install a street box office and a lobby bar. Restrooms, and electric and sound systems will be improved. Concert-goers can say goodbye to the black and red drapes, the stage floor and old speakers.

“We think the future is brighter than ever in Detroit and now is the perfect time to invest and grow our business," owner Dave Zainea said in a news release. "We will now be able to bring more top-notch bands and performers to Midtown ... This project will add jobs and help improve the local economy in Detroit." Read More

HISTORIC DETROIT MASONIC TEMPLE GETS A MUCH NEEDED RENOVATION!

DAVID LILLY PHOTOGRAPHY

Great news! The Masonic is getting some work done to improve the grand facility! Our pal Steve Genther gave a interview the other day with Crain's in Detroit.  Congratulations Steve!!

CRAINS

The historic Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit has started a $3.7 million renovation expected to be complete by the end of the year.

In addition to the improvements to the 96-year-old building on Temple Street, the Masonic Temple Association, which owns the property, wants to reposition or find new uses for the 55,000-square-foot East Tower. Those uses could range from office space to a boutique hotel or residential if redeveloped.

The work includes renovations of existing restrooms and installation of additional restrooms; sound insulation improvement; upgrades to heating and cooling systems; and updates to two large kitchens. On the exterior, masonry restoration and limestone façade cleaning are planned.

Steve Genther, facilities general manager for the Masonic Temple Association, said insulation improvements will allow the association to host multiple events concurrently as sound from one event won't bleed into another.

About 30,000 square feet of space on the upper floors will also be marketed for lease, Genther said.

The association anticipates increased revenue from more events and leasing out space to cover the cost of its $3.7 million construction loan from Chemical Bank, Genther said. Approximately $2.5 million of the work is on the building's interior, he said.

It's the first substantial renovation to the building since 1990, when about $1 million was spent on renovations, Genther said.

"It was just before we had the first run of the 'Phantom of the Opera' in Detroit," Genther said.

"Not a whole lot has changed since 1926," said Ron Staley, senior vice president of Southeast Michigan operations in the Detroit office of Lansing-based The Christman Co., which is construction manager on the project. It was also its original builder. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

THIS OLD HOUSE IN DETROIT: EPISODES BEGINS APRIL 3

This Old House' in Detroit - With the Polk Family

Detroit Episodes Begin Monday, 

April 3 at 7:30pm ET

This Old House traveled to Detroit for the first time to work with retired firefighter Frank Polk as he and his family renovate a classic brick home. Renovations began last summer with the 10 episodes to premiere on Detroit Public Television (56.1) on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 7:30pm ET.

This Old House currently airs on Create (56.3) Fridays at 6pm ET, but we will add the Monday at 7:30pm time slot on 56.1 when the Detroit episodes begin in April. Visit the schedule to check if your provider carries Create.

WATCH A PREVIEW HERE

The team will work with retired firefighter Frank and his family as they renovate their classic brick home. The 1939 two-story property was one of thousands of abandoned structures owned by the Detroit Land Bank.

The family recently purchased the Russell Woods neighborhood house at auction with the promise they would make improvements and move in.

Expected work includes a new roof, kitchen and baths, plus new mechanicals to replace vandalized equipment in the basement. The team will look to preserve historic details such as leaded stained glass windows and archways as the homeowners blend their modern aesthetics with the home’s historic details. It’s a total family affair as THIS OLD HOUSE pitches in to help reclaim this beautiful corner of the city.

ANN ARBOR'S STATE THEATRE: RENDERINGS OF THE COMPLETED RESTORATION

(Photo Above) The exterior with newly built elevator tower on the right, refurbished marquee and new architectural lighting

Received an update tonight regarding the State Theatre Restoration/Renovation. Here are some new renderings showing what the State will look like! Cannot wait to see these fabulous changes!!

Read More About the Seat Sponsorships Here

The renovated Mezzanine Lounge, restored to its Art Deco grandeur.

Theater #1 (130 seats) with modern, high back chairs and generous legroom.

Theater #4 (50 seats) with similar features but more intimate and in green tones

The four new theaters will have 350 comfortable seats. The two old theaters had nearly 600 cramped, uncomfortable seats.