GC4RGHX (MCH) The Farmington Civic Theater (Traditional Cache) in Michigan, United States created by RayQix

GC4RGHX ▼

A cache by RayQix Message this owner

Hidden : 11/19/2013

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Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The Michigan Cinema History (MCH) caches are dedicated to the local creation, viewing,
or enjoyment of movie and cinema-related items in the local area.

This can include, and is not limited to, people, places, and things of Cinema or both past-and-present.

(This series is a companion to the Detroit Cinema History (DCH) and Ontario Cinema History (OCH) series.)

Michigan Cinema History:
The Farmington Civic Theater
33332 Grand River Ave - Farmington, MI

OPENED: 1940 | SEATS: 763

Downtown Farmington District - Late 1940's -
The Civic is center-right

A landmark in Downtown Farmington, Michigan, the Farmington Civic Theater is one of the few old-fashioned movie houses that has existed in southeastern Michigan and still stands to this day.

The Civic was designed by the late C. Howard Crane in Art Moderne style, with the theater having an elegant blade marquee and facade, colored in shades of red and off-white.

The 1939 film "Gone with the Wind"
was still playing here in 1940

It was advertised as the Farmington Civic, although it's official name was just the Civic Theatre. The reason it was advertised this way was to not confuse it with the Civic Theatre (or Detroit-Civic) on the East Side of Detroit near Kelly Road and Whittier.

1977 view of the entrance

The theatre was owned and operated by the Hohler family for the first 59 years it existed and was a gem of the community along with being a well-known landmark since it was built retaining its charm and style over the decades.

It originally sat about 550 on the main floor and about 200 in the balcony.

2007 view of the theatre

The Farmington Civic was closed for a short time in the winter of 1989-1990 when architect Louis Wiltse tastefully converted the balcony into a piggy-backed second auditorium. The Civic then reopened as the Farmington Civic 2 in early 1990 and began showing "second-run" films at that time.

Main-Floor auditorium - recent

Since approximately 1999, the theatre has been in operation under the care of the City of Farmington which invested in the property and facilities to make the experience more-enjoyable and up-to-date for it's patrons. Some of the upgrades to the facility included a rebuilt interior and sound system along with cushioned loveseats equipped with armrests and drink holders.

Second-Floor Auditorium - recent

There was a some new seating added as well as adding an elevator, replacing the roof, and updating the lobby and concessions areas. One of the biggest updates to the theatre was the restrooms which had not seen any major updates since the theatre opened in 1940. These upgrades and updates added to the charm of the theatre for it's patrons of all ages.

Lobby & Concession area - recent

Other later updates included converting to a digital-projection system for newer-released films since many newer releases are no longer available on the 35mm film that the theatre had shown for many years. Dolby 7.1 surround as well as updates to allow for 3D films were also completed.

November 2013 nighttime view of the Theatre

Thousands of old theatres around the country have closed, become new businesses, or even just been demolished, leaving vacant-land where once-magnificant houses of the imagination once-stood.

The Farmington Civic Theater has been a very special place to many for many reasons because of the shows, the ambiance, or just the whole experience altogether and is a wonderful part of Metro Detroit...and has been enjoyed by many since it first opened it's doors in 1940.

This is what makes it part of
Michigan Cinema History.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.

MUGGLES ARE AROUND DAY and NIGHT.

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