Restoration & Endowment Campaign

Tibbits Opera House is the center for arts and cultural activities in the city of Coldwater and the surrounding region.  A community’s downtown district is the most visible indicator of community pride, along with its economic and social health.  Tibbits has a direct impact on the local quality of life, and quality of life is what separates successful cities and towns from declining communities.

VISION

To restore the historic Tibbits 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.

CURRENT PROJECT - PHASE III THE FACADE

The restoration project is in Phase III with the goal of restoring the façade, the front of the building, to its original 1882 French “Second Empire” design which will reinstate Tibbits as a magnificent focal point of downtown Coldwater.

Tibbits' original façade ornamentation was removed and covered with an Art Deco façade in the 1930s when the theater was turned into a movie house.  During the 1960s, a group of Coldwater citizens saved Tibbits Opera House from the wrecking ball and installed a temporary, protective façade, which is what exists today.

The reason this phase of the restoration is so important is that a restored façade will draw increased numbers of tourists, historic preservation enthusiasts, and patrons to the theatre.  A restored façade will boost interest in Tibbits Opera House, enhance awareness of our programming for children and adults, and increase Tibbits' positive impact on the local economy.

WHAT HAS BEEN COMPLETED

Previous phases of restoration included design development, demolition of an adjacent building, removal of hazardous materials inside the theatre, repair of the boilers, improvement of emergency exits, and installation of an elevator, a barrier free entrance, and a barrier free restroom.  Work completed in phase III includes repointing brick on the north, south, and west walls and installation of the cupola.

IMPORTANCE OF RESTORING TIBBITS

Quality of Life

Tibbits Opera House is the center for arts and cultural activities in Coldwater and as such directly impacts the quality of life in Coldwater and the surrounding region.  Tibbits has an impact on the ability of the community to recruit and retain new residents, businesses, industries, and tourists.

Saving An American Architectural and Historical Treasure

Built in 1882, Tibbits Opera House is one of the oldest operating theatres in Michigan and the second oldest Michigan theatre still in its original location.  Tibbits was designed by Detroit architect Mortimer L. Smith, who is credited with other impressive architecture in Detroit including the Detroit Opera House, Campus Martius, J. L. Hudson Company Department Store, and the Jefferson Hotel.  Tibbits is a unique structure, as it was built as a stand-alone theatre at a time when opera houses normally were on the upper floors of buildings used for other purposes.  Tibbits is an irreplaceable, historically-significant building rich in history.

US-12 Heritage Route

The US-12 Heritage Route stretches 212 miles from Detroit to New Buffalo, MI.  Coldwater has played an important role on the route due to its mid-point location.  In 1882, when the theatre was built, Coldwater would be a day's trip from either Detroit or Chicago, which resulted in Coldwater becoming a natural stopping point for visitors and theatre performers traveling the byway.  Today Coldwater continues to be the largest city along the route and Tibbits Opera House is the only operating opera house left along the US-12 heritage route between Detroit and Chicago.

Value to and Impact on Children

We are exceptionally proud to offer area children a local venue to experience live theatre and opportunities each year to appear on stage.  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.

Many local children come from lower income families who are not able to afford an out-of-town trip to the theatre.  Tibbits offers local children opportunities competitive with those that children in metropolitan communities enjoy.  Without Tibbits Opera House, many local children would never be exposed to professional theatre and other forms of performing art.

Economic Impact

Tibbits Opera House currently generates over $1,500,000 in additional spending in Branch County businesses due to Tibbits’ programming.*  In fact, 58% of our summer theatre audience travels here from outside 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 restored façade will enable Tibbits to become an even greater economic asset to Branch County.  Tibbits' restoration will generate additional tourism of groups and individuals interested in historic restoration and will improve the community’s ability to impress and attract highly qualified professionals and industry to our community, thus increasing economic benefits for the community at-large.

*According to an Americans for the Arts 2007 Economic Calculator.

DONOR RECOGNITION

A plaque will be posted outside Tibbits Opera House to recognize top donors to the restoration project. In addition, donors giving $5,000 and above will be listed on a donor recognition wall inside the lobby. All donors will be listed on Tibbits' website and in Tibbits' annual reports and other printed materials. Every donation is important and appreciated!

Restoration Donor Listing