TRAVERSE CITY — Elk Rapids Cinema and the State Theatre in Traverse City announced temporary closures this week to address significant building repairs. Elk Rapids Cinema is replacing its entire heating and cooling system, while the State Theatre is managing internal water damage caused by a roof leak.
The maintenance issues have forced the cancellation of several screenings, including “No Other Choice” on Feb. 24 and “Sentimental Value” on March 3. Both venues cited the challenge of maintaining aging historic buildings that serve as cultural and entertainment hubs for Northern Michigan.
The heating failure at Elk Rapids Cinema began three weeks ago, during which the building operated at minimal capacity. While a technician attempted to install a replacement part on Friday, a second critical component failed and structural concerns were discovered in the main radiator. The closure occurred shortly after the cinema opened its screening of “Wuthering Heights.”
Management decided to pursue a full replacement of the system rather than continue repairing the outdated equipment piece by piece. The new heating and cooling unit is estimated to cost between $25,000 and $35,000. Staff members are currently securing an emergency loan to fund the project and are receiving two additional quotes for the work this week.
Jessie Nigl serves as the interim manager of the Elk Rapids Cinema. Nigl noted that the final mechanical breakdown happened during a busy movie weekend. “The timing of it was quite interesting, too,” Nigl said. “We’re, you know, hoping to have the system repaired last Friday. But what actually happened is it broke completely.”
Nigl emphasized the importance of the theater to the local area beyond entertainment. “Its primary function in the community is more of a historical preservation and a cultural preservation and just creating a community space in general,” Nigl said. A contractor who recently completed work on the State Theatre system in Traverse City is expected to visit the Elk Rapids site to provide a quote.
The State Theatre in Traverse City, which is 110 years old, sustained internal water damage after its roof developed a leak earlier this month. Engineers and contractors are currently assessing the extent of the damage while staff members work to clean and clear the facility to ensure it is safe for the public.
Angie Fox is the executive director for the State Theater. Fox expressed optimism that the downtown landmark would recover from the maintenance setback. “So I still feel that the state theater is very much the heartbeat in downtown and northern Michigan and will continue to be well, we’ll get the repairs taken care of and it will be open back up and it will be just as beautiful, if not more beautiful than before,” Fox said.
All Traverse City Film Festival Tuesday screenings affected by the closure will be added to the end of the winter season. Staff confirmed that all season passes and single tickets will be honored at the rescheduled dates. Community Night films, weekend movies and kids’ matinees at the State Theatre and Bijou by the Bay are suspended through March 8.
The State Theatre and Bijou by the Bay expect to remain closed through March 8 while cleaning and repairs continue. Fox said the theater is currently awaiting a technical assessment of the roof. “We have engineers, we have testing. And we’re expecting to get a report next Wednesday before next Wednesday as to what we need to get repaired,” Fox said.