Restoration & Endowment Campaign

Quality of life is what separates successful cities and towns from declining communities, and in Branch County quality of life is tied to this theatre. But without your support, the need will go unfulfilled. Tibbits relies on the generosity of many donors so that the volunteer Board of Directors and staff can work on the details of bringing quality programming to our south central Michigan and northern Indiana and Ohio regions. This restoration project is no different. To make the dream a reality, everyone who is capable of helping will be asked to give generously.

Vision

To restore the historic Opera House to its original grandeur;

To preserve an important and beautiful piece of Michigan and American architectural history;

To ensure that present and future generations of people can enjoy the magic, the experience and the emotions that watching a live performance offers.

Phase III - The Facade

Restoring the façade of the building to its original “Second Empire” grandeur is the current priority of the restoration effort. When restored, the Tibbits Opera House will once again become a magnificent focal point of downtown Coldwater.

In the 1960s a group of Coldwater citizens saved Tibbits Opera House from the wrecking ball, and in doing so, covered the original “Second Empire” style façade with brick turning it into a pseudo “Mansard” design.

The interest that a renewed façade will generate in Tibbits Opera House is sure to draw many tourists, historic preservation enthusiasts, theatre patrons and more to our community and ultimately to the front door of Tibbits Opera House.

We strongly believe that a restored façade will boost interest in our theatre, encourage more people to become aware of our programming for children and adults, increase knowledge of our restoration efforts, and enhance our ability to raise funds and receive favorable grant awards so that we may restore other areas of the theatre.

Reasons to Give

Saving an American Treasure

Built in 1882, Tibbits Opera House is one of the oldest operating theatres in Michigan. Designed by architect Mortimer Smith of Detroit, restoration of the Victorian era theatre is crucial to maintaining the historic integrity of Coldwater, Michigan’s historic downtown district. Once restored, the “Second Empire” architectural style of the façade will again become the magnificent focal point of this historic downtown. Tibbits is an irreplaceable, historically significant building rich in history. For 125 years, Tibbits has been the center of creativity, imagination, arts and culture in this rural county and region. We value our piece of Michigan history, of American history. Please help us to restore the façade of our community jewel.

For Our Children

We are exceptionally proud to offer the area children a local venue to experience live theatre. Last year alone, nearly 14,000 children experienced live theatre at Tibbits Opera House and through Tibbits’ in-school performances. Studies show that exposure to theatrical productions increases test scores and helps children broaden their ability to learn. It is exciting to watch a young child in the audience and to see the awakening in their little eyes as they are captivated by the story, the sets, the songs, and the overall experience Tibbits Opera House offers the children in Branch County.

Many of the children here come from lower income families who aren’t able to afford an out-of-town trip to the theatre. Our children must be exposed to the same opportunities as children in metropolitan communities if they are to be of equal educational background once they go out into the world. Without question, if it were not for Tibbits Opera House, our very affordable children’s productions and in-school programming, many of the local children would never be exposed to professional theatre and other forms of performing art.

Economic Impact

Tibbits Opera House generates over $1,000,000 in additional spending in Branch County businesses through Tibbits’ programming.* In fact, 56% of our summer theatre audience, over 5,000 people, travel here from outside Branch County. This number is expected to increase as more bus tours come to Tibbits because the Phase II accessible entrance, elevator and barrier free restroom addition make the theatre more accessible for our senior citizen patrons and people with disabilities.

We are confident that a restored façade will generate tourism of groups and individuals interested in historic restoration, further increasing the likelihood that Tibbits will become an even greater economic asset to Branch County. Numerous economic models including Smart Growth, Cool Cities and Main Street point to the importance of downtown districts, historic preservation, and arts and culture to foster economic development.

A community’s downtown district is the most visible indicator of community pride, along with its economic and social health. It is either an asset or a liability in the effort to recruit and retain new residents, businesses and industries, retirees, tourists, and others to a community. A restored Tibbits Opera House will become an even greater asset when city and county leaders showcase the best of our community. We are confident that a restored façade at Tibbits Opera House will improve the community’s ability to impress and attract highly qualified professionals and industry to our community, increase tourism and thus increase economic benefits for the community at-large.

*According to an Americans for the Arts 2002 study.

Donor Recognition

A large, beautiful plaque will be posted outside Tibbits Opera House to recognize the top-ten donors whose combined gifts benefits the façade restoration fundraising effort. Donors giving $5,000 and above will also be listed on a donor recognition wall inside the lobby. All donors will be listed within their giving category on Tibbits' web site, in Tibbits' newsletter The Marquee, in Tibbits' annual report and other printed materials. Every donation is important and appreciated.

Restoration Donor Listing