MOTM Contributor Nicholas Gunn receently had the opportunity to tour the State Theater, with Downtown Development Authority Chairman Richard Hensel, and has this update on the effort to restore the building:
As reported on MoodyOnTheMarket.com September 26, the Benton Harbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA) acquired the State Theater on Main Street, downtown Benton Harbor. The theater, which was first opened 80 years ago in 1942, has at times been a popular centerpiece in the community. The DDA hopes that will be the case again.
The 80-year-old theater sits at 148 W. Main Street, Benton Harbor, and has seen better days. It’s been vacant for almost 15 years. DDA Chairman, Richard Hensel says the city acquired the building from its former owner Steve Brickman of South Haven, who transferred the theater to the city as a donation. With the theater currently being valued at approximately $400,000, it’s estimated repairs to the building will be many times that number..
Photo of the Benton Harbor State Theater lobby.
In a sit down interview with Richard Hensel, he said “There has been a bit of deterioration because of water leaks. The roof has some bad spots in it and we’ll have to take care of those first before we can do anything else. But that water damage is thought the building so it’s going to take a bit of time and investigation into what’s actually happening by some professionals to get things sorted out and repaired.”
In the future, Hensel believes the theater has the potential of becoming a “cultural center”. Hhe spoke about the nearby talent the city has to offer, centering on the arts. But Hensel is very aware of the major funding the theater needs, in order to be restored
Leak in the roof of the Benton Harbor State Theater.
“I think we are looking long term here due to the fundraising that needs to take place to rehabilitate the theater. We’re talking about a couple of years. Then of course , there will be construction and time for that. So, it’s gonna take at least a couple of years to get everything to a point where we’ll start to see events taking place there.”
To see the full condition of the theater click the link https://youtu.be/cKov-KuXHv8
By Nicholas Gunn, MOTM Contributor
