Michigan Cinema History:
The Maple Art Theatre
4135 W Maple - Bloomfield Hills, MI
OPEN: 1977 | CLOSED: n/a | SEATS: 900+
Maple Art Theatre, 1990's
The Maple Art Theatre was built in 1974 by the Suburban Detroit Theaters chain (SDT) and was originally intended to show foreign films exclusively.
Since that time, it had been the "steadfast home" to independent film and foreign language cinema and had been a beloved spot for folks to see films that weren't always mainstream, but maybe more in-depth and art-related.
Front view of the theatre, when it was the "Maple 3"
AMC Theaters purchased the three-screen cinema from SDT and has been operated by Landmark Theaters since 1998. The theater has long been a home to independent films and foreign language cinema, and was considered the first of its kind in this area to cater specifically to that segment of moviegoers. Landmark Theaters were also known for their exclusivity for independent films in most of their locations.
Daytime view of the main entrance - 2011
This has also been known to be the sole movie theater that Bloomfield residents could call their own and the folks associated with the facility have always wanted to keep the Theatre's character and longstanding reputation for showing quality artistic and independent films intact. Because of this reputation, people would come from all-over the state to see a film because it was one of the only places to show certain films.
Keeping with the idea that the Maple is something special, there were plans to renovate the theater and give it significant upgrades, including expanded, digital screens and wider rows for leg room. There was to be new seating, but not stadium-style because sight lines would have already been improved.
A landmark for many years by the side of the road.
The entrance and main lobby was to be remodeled and also possibly feature a tile fireplace created by Pewabic Pottery of Detroit. Essentially the renovations were to feature many Michigan-made products and services to keep a home-grown feel to the location.
IF you have any more information or details on this theatre, please email me and i will include it in the description.
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Enjoy the Hunt and be aware of your surroundings as always!