Michigan Theatre Prioritizing Elevator Installation

The top priority of the Historic Vogue Theatre of Manistee, Michigan, Board of Directors this year is to raise funds for an elevator installation, the Manistee News Advocate reports. Contractor estimates have come in at US$825,000. The board began fundraising for a third screen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and received commitments for support. The board has since decided that adding an elevator is the better next step to take. The board met with a construction company and engineers who determined it would be feasible to install an elevator to all levels, including the basement, which is partially used for storage. Installing an elevator shaft will require a great deal of costly demolition of concrete. The board is hoping for grants in the coming year, but construction may not start until 2025.