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Kalamazoo State Theatre: Curtain Falls, Then Rises Again

Location: 404 S. Burdick St., Downtown Kalamazoo
Closed: November 24, 2024
Reopening Target: 2027 (100th Anniversary)

After nearly a century of dazzling audiences, the Kalamazoo State Theatre went dark in late 2024 — but not for long. The pause, announced by longtime owners The Hinman Company, marked the end of one era and the hopeful beginning of another. The historic venue, famous for its Spanish-Moorish architecture and twinkling “night sky” ceiling, has hosted legends from Ray Charles to The Black Keys.

The theatre’s temporary shutdown last November came as the Hinmans sought new ownership that could preserve the State’s legacy while updating its operations for a sustainable future. The last show — Almost Queen with Lisa Can’t Sing — played to a sold-out house, a fitting send-off for one of Michigan’s most beloved stages.

Nearly a year later, in October 2025, the story took a dramatic turn. Dan and Holly Carmichael, owners of Lead Balloon Productions, purchased the State Theatre with plans to restore, modernize, and reopen the venue in time for its 100th anniversary in 2027. Partnering with Wilson Butler Architects of Boston — experts in historic theatre design — the Carmichaels are launching an ambitious restoration effort to preserve the theatre’s vintage charm while enhancing accessibility, sound, and backstage facilities.

In their announcement, the Carmichaels emphasized that this project is as much about community as it is about music. “We want to honor the theatre’s legacy while preparing it for its next century,” they said.

The new owners also purchased nearby downtown properties, including Harvey’s on the Mall and The Grazing Table, signaling a broader plan to breathe new life into the surrounding cultural corridor.

Local arts groups and residents have greeted the revival with excitement, calling the theatre’s restoration a crucial spark for Kalamazoo’s entertainment and economic landscape. When the lights rise again, the Kalamazoo State Theatre won’t just reopen its doors — it will reopen a piece of the city’s soul.

Did You Know? A Few Fun Facts About the Kalamazoo State Theatre

• The State Theatre opened on July 14, 1927, as part of the Butterfield Theatres chain.

• Its design mimics an open Spanish courtyard, complete with faux balconies, ornamental towers, and a ceiling filled with twinkling lights that mimic the night sky.

• The venue was designed by John Eberson, the architect famous for pioneering the “atmospheric theatre” style across the U.S.

• The theatre once hosted vaudeville acts and silent films before becoming a top regional concert venue in the mid-20th century.

• It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2023, ensuring its protection and preservation for future generations.

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