(MCH) The Park Theatre Traditional Geocache
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Michigan Cinema History:
The Park Theatre
1583 West Fort Street - Lincoln Park, MI
OPEN: 1925 | CLOSED: 2008 |
SEATS: 600
The Park Theatre - 1938
What is certain is the Park Theatre, 1583 Fort St., is one of the most historic and notable building downtown, for both the right and wrong reasons. Many Downriver residents have fond memories of seeing movies there and it has an iconic exterior that can often define a downtown.
The Park Theatre on West Fort Street was built in 1925 by M.R. Levy and was designed by well-known prominent architect C. Howard Crane.
Crane had designed many other area theatres such as the Fox, State, and Capitol (now the Detroit Opera House) Theatres as well as over 250 theatres across the United States.
An article from 1925 described the Park as having "beautiful polychrome chandeliers, velour drapes, and cork aisle floors" in order to allow for "noiseless walking" by its patrons and staff. This was done to not disturb other patrons while the show was going on.
When the Park opened, movies were still silent and a three-manual theatre pipe organ was scheduled to be installed, but never materialized. The theory and value behind the movies that were being produced in the mid-1920's was also explained in that article stating "Motion pictures inspire better looking homes; they especially benefit the young as it gives them a way to fill their leisure time respectably and profitably. The Park Theater opening will mark an epoch-making day in the theatrical life of Lincoln Park, and every one here owes a debt of gratitude to those who made this showhouse possible".
During the mid-1930's, the theatre was remodeled and the original canopy and marquee were replaced with a porcelain-enameled steel sign that ran vertically. This symmetrical-stepped design was originally lit with neon tubes and could be seen from quite a distance away.
At Christmas 1934, during the height of the Great Depression, the manager of the Lincoln Park theatre issued free admission to guests as a gesture to local residents who could not afford it otherwise, to take their minds of their troubles.
During World War II, the theatre was used as a campaign headquarters for War Bond rallies in order to raise much-needed cash for the war effort. There were food drives and other fundraisers for needy families who were local as well as overseas and Lincoln Park children were admitted to the theatre in exchange for a can of food.
Between the end of World War II and the 1970's, the Lincoln Park Theatre was within walking-distance for many of the patrons who lived in the area. It was a nice cozy neighborhood theatre with the newest shows to offer and of course the Saturday Matinees which were relatively inexpensive for a day's entertainment.
Younger folks would cut lawns and saving wisely so they could visit the nearby theatre with their friends. The movie-house was a second-home to many, who enjoyed their theatre-treats like chocolate-covered raisins, non-pariels, and licorice along with the popcorn and soda-pop.
1985 view of the Park Theatre
The 600-seat cinema served as the hub for entertainment in the suburb of Lincoln Park until it fell on hard times in the 1970s. It briefly became a concert venue where greats like Bob Seger and MC5 played. Seger even mentioned the Park Theatre in a song.
During the mid-1970's, many of the smaller neighborhood theatres both in the City of Detroit and the Suburbs began showing adult-themed or X-rated films in order to generate revenue and this genre of film came to the Lincoln Park Theatre as well.
The building was painted and remained a dark brown to "Blend-in" with its surroundings for many years, but the yellow marquee had "Adult Entertainment" on the sign as a permanent message to the public.
After it was converted to an adult-only theatre, the battles with City Officials as well as Citizens Groups began. The Park was also the subject of several Federal lawsuits.
Once the lawsuits were done, management of the Park decided to change the building a bit more to help with the blending of the business into the surrounding area. The main entrance was changed to the back and the front doors were modified to be exit-only in case of fire. The main entrance had parking surrounded by a fence.
Paneling with siding was installed on the front to cover the former lobby windows and the entire front was repainted a bland grey-cream-brown color and the marquee remained bright-yellow with "Adult Entertainment" on the letters.
The management wanted to keep things as low-key as possible. It's not known whether the bright-yellow signage for the marquee allowed for that or if it didn't matter.
It would remain open as an adult-venue "theatre" through the 2008 and remain empty after that.
Park Theatre - Mid 2000's
The Park was threatened with demolition after it closed, as many structures in the Lincoln Park area had been due to strip-mall developments. Still, the Park Theatre was spared. The Detroit Area Art Deco Society had hopes that the City of Lincoln Park would recognize the historical and architectural significance to the theatre building despite its recent history. The group had hoped that it could be reused again to contribute to the community in a positive manner.
Plans had surfaced over the last few years that would give new life to the old Lincoln Park Theatre. These plans include some retail as well as residential spaces and would be a good and positive boost to the "downtown" Lincoln Park area.
September 2013 progress on the facia of the Park
It's not known at this time whether this will happen, but it would be nice to see the aging building kept from the wrecking-ball, as so many of the other small theatres had ended-up.
One of the challenges to this new project is that it only resembles a theatre on the outside and most of what made it a theatre has long-since been removed.
Artists concept for the Lofts remodel
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.
It was a very special place to many for many reasons, and still is to those that remember it in its' heyday. Whether it was the ambiance, the shows that were seen there, or just the entire movie-going experience that was part of the Lincoln Park Theatre, those memories have kept the spirit of the theatre alive and going to this day.
The Park Theatre was a wonderful part of Metro Detroit...and was a beautiful sight to behold in its day.
This is what makes it part of Michigan Cinema History.
IF you have any more information or details on this theatre,
please email me and i will include it in the description.
Thank you.
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS HERE.
MUGGLES ARE AROUND DAY/NIGHT/24-7.
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