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A Flint landmark reopens after a long renovation

There is just so much to process, so much to, well, not to sound old, but growing up we just never would have anticipated this level craziness.
steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio
The Capitol Theatre is set to reopen after nearly 20 years.

Flint residents are celebrating the reopening of a downtown landmark.

The Capitol Theatrehas been closed for nearly 20 years.

But thanks to a $37 million restoration, the theater is once again opening its doors.

Credit steve carmody / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio
It took $37 million to pay to fully renovate the theater, which opened in 1928.

“What makes this building special actually is the connection that the community has had with it for nine decades,” says Jarret Haynes, the executive director of the Whiting theater, which will manage the Capitol Theatre.

Flint Mayor Karen Weaver remembers standing in line at the Capitol to see the 70’s horror movie “Willard.”   She says the Capitol’s rebirth is an important of downtown Flint’s resurgence.

“It’s so important for people to see the revitalization of Flint,” says Weaver, “This is what recovery looks like.”

The Capitol Theater is just one of several multi-million dollar renovation projects in the heart of Flint’s downtown.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.