Tibbits Opera House begins update

Date: 2.21.11

Take a good look at the Tibbits Opera House, and you’ll be able to say I remember when. The scaffolding is going up for the 128-year old building to begin its make-over, or more correctly, its reconstructive surgery. The theatre will never again look the way it does.

Amidst the cold and ice, Grand River Builders has begun setting the scaffolding which will protect the sidewalks and entry ways for patrons and passers-by. The theatre will remain open throughout the work, including for this week’s Rotary Show. Soon workers will begin to painstakingly remove the brick covering which has protected the old brick since 1969.

All work being done has been approved by the State Historic Preservation Office for meeting federal preservation standards and will protect the original elements of the building. Architect on the project Tom Roberts first worked on the Tibbits as a junior architect during design development—Phase 1 of the restoration. Roberts has explored most all of the crevices of the building and has a deep understanding of the original design. Even so, the only way to determine some of the conditions of the original brick and the features which remain is to remove the 1960s protection.

Grand River Builders, who will be performing the demolition work, has more than 25 years experience in historic building restoration. Brian Black, general manager of the company says “Tibbits is a beautiful building. This is a fantastic project and we’re pleased to be a part of it.”

According to Roberts, demolition work will be very detailed work requiring all materials to be removed using the “gentlest means possible,” a key phrase for preservation standards.  The work includes removing the brick on the face of the theatre, removing the wood and shingle “mansard” roofing at the top of the building, temporarily removing the plaster over the original window spaces and then removing the infill on the interior as well as the exterior where the original windows and doors were located. This final step will impact both the theatre box office and the lobby, as these were original doors that need to be exposed for any remaining architectural elements. The demolition work is the first step for restoring the historic theatre to its original 1882 beauty.

While the demolition begins the fundraising continues. The campaign is $94,500 away from one million dollars, the minimum estimate for the construction work. 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

Contact: Christine Delaney, 517-278-6029                             email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it