MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. — Neighbors are pushing to restore the crumbling Strand Theatre in Muskegon Heights, but local leaders say there is no concrete plan yet to save the historic site.
WATCH: Neighbors hope to restore the historic Strand Theatre, local leaders say there's no plan in place to save it
Muskegon County Commissioner Kimberly Sims says the theatre could be a catalyst for the Heights and the development of the business corridor. However, a plan for the site’s future has not been set.
"The City of Muskegon Heights is a community which holds some roots for many residents throughout Muskegon County," Sims said. "The Strand Theatre has history that many County residents could share. The future of this structure could be the catalyst for Muskegon Heights and the development of the business corridor. I look forward to working with the City and the residents to develop a strong community informed plan to go forth."
Tait Sorlie, a neighbor and owner of Beelicious Thai Cafe across the street from the site, reached out to me about the crumbling building.
"We have this historic building here, which is the Muskegon Heights Strand Theatre," Sorlie said. "You're never going to be able to replace something like this."
Sorlie wants to see the theatre restored, adding that losing it would be a detriment to the community.
"If they can restore it, it's going to be a fantastic cornerstone for the redevelopment of Muskegon Heights," Sorlie said.
I spoke with Muskegon Heights Councilman William Kitchen, who tells me there have been many exploratory conversations regarding the Strand Theatre, but nothing etched in concrete.
"There are a variety of conversations being had in regards to the old Strand Theatre Building," Kitchen said. "These are but exploratory conversations, nothing etched in concrete. As the new Chairman of Buildings & Land sub-committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues to address a pathway forward to possibly salvage this site."
Downtown Development Authority Board Member Brad Hilleary echoes Kitchen’s statement that there is currently no immediate redevelopment plan in place.
“The Strand Theatre, built in 1923, is a historic but currently vacant theatre located on Broadway Avenue in Muskegon Heights," Hilleary said. "The building is owned by the City of Muskegon Heights. The Muskegon Heights Downtown Development Authority (DDA) works closely with City officials on downtown development initiatives and owns properties adjacent to the theatre. The City and the DDA are actively engaged in several projects, including new road construction, streetscape improvements, and the development of a splash pad at Rowan Park, among others. While the City and the DDA have discussed potential options for the Strand Theatre and its site, there is currently no immediate redevelopment plan in place.”
Interim City Manager Pearlette Merriweather calls the theatre a site of historical significance within the community.
“It is essential that public input is included in these conversations to ensure a collaborative approach," Merriweather said. "Previously, there have been proposals to develop the property into apartments and commercial space. However, moving forward will require significant public-private collaboration to determine the next steps for the Strand.”
Sorlie hopes action is taken soon to save the historic site.
"You can see all the brick work falling off," Sorlie said. "You can see the tin cladding up there on the side peeling off the side of the building. And if they don't take care of that soon… it's going to get to a point where you're just going to have to tear it down, and then it's going to be a complete loss," Sorlie said.
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