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Press Release: Documentary Planned about Tibbits Opera House Preservation (Coldwater, MI)

February 03, 2012

For Immediate Release
Contact: Christine Delaney, 517-278-6029, email: cdelaney@Tibbits.org

The front of the 129-year-old Tibbits Opera House stands ready for transformation.

COLDWATER – Restoration to begin. Take a good look at the Tibbits Opera House, and think of it as a clean canvas ready to be turned into a work of art. Scaffolding the 129-year-old building began today in preparation for restoration of the original French Second Empire façade.

Scaffolding will cover the entire front of the building similar to when the work was done last spring to remove the 1960s brick covering on the theatre face. This time the scaffold will extend around the corners of the building and the walkway will be closed to pedestrians. The stairs and entrance through the main front doors will be open for shows only. Construction crews will block the entire area during the day while they’re working to insure the safety of passers-by.

Owen-Ames-Kimball and Grand River Builders out of Grand Rapids, Michigan will be doing the work. Both companies specialize in historic restoration and each has long lists of historic buildings they’ve completed across the state including several they’ve worked on together. In addition to the site work at the theatre, work has also begun offsite at GRB’s workshop where workers are crafting many of the decorative copper elements.

All work being done has been approved by the State Historic Preservation Office and meets federal preservation standards. Architect on the project is Tom Roberts. Construction timeline is approximately six months. During the work, Equity Studios out of Sturgis will be filming and documenting the project.

While the work begins, fundraising continues. Over one million dollars has been raised for the project, enough to complete the majority of the grand façade. Funds are still needed to complete the terrace and the balcony. The terrace will extend across the front of the theatre and includes engraved pavers, new stairs, hand rails, sidewalk and street curbs. The current stairs, ramp and the half wall will all be removed. An additional $30,000 is needed to fund the terrace. Decorative pavers are still available for sale and will help cover the cost.

The balcony is the decorative metal structure which also serves as a protective covering over the main center doors. I basic structure will be installed; an additional $80,000 is needed to complete all of the metal detail on the balcony.

For more information on the campaign, to make a gift or to volunteer call Tibbits at 517-278-6029 or go to www.Tibbits.org.