Impact of the Traverse City's State Theatre

Glen Arbor Sun writer Pat Stinson asked Leelanau residents about the impact of the State, The Bay and their movie watching habits. In Community bids adieu to a deserted downtown at dusk, Pat took a look at the State’s impact so far.

One of the articles she referenced was Filmmaker puts Traverse City in spotlight from the Detroit News. The article will soon disappear into the mists of “you have to pay to read it”, so here’s a brief excerpt:

Many here hope that Moore and the newly reopened State Theater will tap into the affluent, educated empty-nesters who are turning this once-seasonal tourist town into an upscale village of culinary and cultural delights.

“This isn’t about politics for me,” Moore said. “It’s about celebrating this beautiful state of ours, sharing the power of great film and really using a great old movie palace as both an economic power and a community gathering place.”

Many businesses here say it’s a critical moment for Traverse City, which, city officials say, now boasts a waiting list of more than 60 businesses looking to set up shop downtown.

As to how those hopes have been realized, State of the State: It’s busy in the Traverse City Record-Eagle quotes Deb Lake, executive director of the Traverse City Film Festival as saying “Our booker is floored by how we’re doing. We’re doing well. People are just loving coming down here.”

By all accounts the State appears to be doing remarkable well, and you should certainly try and see a movie there soon if you haven’t – web site for Traverse City’s State Theatre.

Photo: From the Balcony of the State Theatre by Andy McFarlane (State Theatre slideshow)