Michigan Theater Foundation leads improvements

Art deco cinema has refurbished facade and four screens

Grand reopening this weekend

The show is set to go on at the State Theatre in Ann Arbor as the iconic movie house caps an $8.5 million renovation with a grand opening this weekend.

In time for its 75th birthday, the classic art deco art house at 233 S. State St. will celebrate with a grand reopening on Friday night for members and open to the public Saturday after a 10-month transformation doubled its number of screens to four and overhauled projection and seating, according to a news release from the theater.

The Michigan Theater Foundation, which owns the theater, led renovations, including a refurbished façade, new lobby and restrooms, as well as installation of a full-size elevator and escalator. The complex now has four screening rooms, ranging from 50 to 140 seats with increased legroom. A new full-service cocktail bar and renovated concessions stand were also part of the project.

Built in 1942 and designed by renowned architect Howard Crane, known for his work on the Fox Theatre in Detroit, the State Theatre was purchased by the Michigan Theater Foundation in 2014 and closed for renovations in October 2016.

Quinn Evans Architects, which has offices in Ann Arbor and Detroit, led design during renovations. The general contractor was O'Neal Construction Inc., based in Ann Arbor.

Movie tickets are on sale. Tickets are $10 for adults, with discounts for children, students, seniors and matinee shows. A movie schedule can be found online.