Howell Opera House facts for kids
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Howell Opera House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Howell Opera House in July 2023
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| Location | 123 W. Grand River Avenue Howell, Michigan |
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| Built | 1880 |
| Part of | Howell Downtown Historic District (ID86003363) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Designated CP | February 27, 1987 |
The Howell Opera House is a special old building in Howell, Michigan. It's known as an opera house, which means it was built for shows and performances. This building is so important that it's listed as a historic site by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office. It's also part of the Howell Downtown Historic District on the National Historic Register. This means it's officially recognized as a place with a lot of history!
Contents
A Look Back: The Howell Opera House Story
The Howell Opera House is a beautiful building built in the Victorian style. It was designed to hold many people, with room for up to 1,000 guests!
Building a Dream
The plans for this theater were drawn by a famous architect from Detroit, Almon C. Varney. It cost about $10,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then! Construction started in 1880. The contractors, Hunter and Holmes, worked hard to finish it. The doors first opened to the public on December 30, 1881. You can find this historic building at 123 W. Grand River.
More Than Just a Theater
The Howell Opera House was a very important place in town. It wasn't just for plays and concerts. It also hosted many local events. For example, high school students had their graduation ceremonies there. For a short time in 1889, it even served as the home for the Livingston County Circuit Court.
Changes in Ownership
The Stair Brothers, E.D. and Orin, first owned the Howell Opera House. They took over in 1884. Later, in 1893, Arthur Garland bought the theater. He used part of the building to make custom-tailored suits.
A Long Break
In 1923, the fire marshal closed the building. This meant it could no longer be used for entertainment. For over 70 years, the Howell Opera House was used for storage. It became a storage space for a local hardware store.
Bringing It Back: The Renovation Story
In 2000, the Livingston Arts Council bought the Howell Opera House. They had a big dream: to bring the theater back to life! They wanted it to be a place for performances and events again.
Starting the Work
Renovations began in 2001. It was a slow start because they didn't have enough money. But they kept working towards their goal. By 2007, the first part of the renovation plan was finished.
What's New So Far?
So far, only the first floor of the Opera House has been renovated. The floors and walls look brand new. They also added new stairways. There are also plans to restore the second floor. This is where the main stage and balcony are located.
A Place for Events Today
The newly renovated first floor of the Opera House is now available to rent. People can use it for special events. It's a great spot for weddings and parties!
