Wealthy Theatre
1130 Wealthy Street SE,
Grand Rapids,
MI
49506
1130 Wealthy Street SE,
Grand Rapids,
MI
49506
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The renovation of the Wealthy Theatre was designed by Paradigm Design, a Grand Rapids architectural firm. Quinn Evans Architects of Ann Arbor served as preservation consultant and oversaw the restoration of the period features of the building.
This web page has brief biography of architect Pierre Lindhout (the correct spelling.) It says that here were once eleven theaters of Lindhout’s design in Grand Rapids, but claims that the Wealthy is the “…sole surviving example of this work.” However, I found the still-standing Stocking Avenue Theatre attributed to Lindhout in the September 4, 1915, issue of The Moving Picture World, so they must mean that the Wealthy is the only theater of Lindhout’s design that is still in operation.
Theatre Historical Society will be visiting this theater during our 2011 Conclave – “The Michigan Roads Less Traveled” June 21-25. See the website for details www.historictheatres.org
Thanks Joe.
From Boxoffice magazine, January 1938:
DETROIT-Butterfield Theaters has taken over operation of two more houses in the state. One to be added to the chain is the Silver Theater, Greenville, operated formerly by Bert Silver, oldest exhibitor in Michigan.
Butterfield Circuit and Allen Johnson have taken over joint operation of the other house, the Wealthy in Grand Rapids.
The Wealthy Theatre is now owned and operated by the Grand Rapids Community Media Center and hosts independent films, concerts, theatre, and community events. Look up showtimes or request a reservation at wealthytheatre.org.