Movie Theaters in Grand Rapids MI Midtown Theatre

Info Updates:

9/9/2012 - Jim Fahlstedt

I probably saw more movies at the Midtown than any other theater in Grand Rapids. John D. Loeks, the owner, like policemen and usually kept my father well supplied with passes. I liked Mr. Loeks a lot. Tearing down this fine building to build a parking lot was a criminal offense. The Powers Theater was were so many fine actors got their start. Think Spencer Tracy, for example. Another part of this building was Chinnock's Recreation, a wonderful joint. It was a pool hall and excellent restaurant.

10/3/2008 - Robin

I worked in the Midtown Theatre in the early 70's and it was amazingly beautiful. It also had doors that went from it right into the People's Building which was next door. There were old cat walks with dressing rooms on each landing with tiny sinks with tons of messages written from old actors who had played roles with dates from 1934 (that I remember).

The other great thing about this theatre was the foot lights still worked and tin the basement you could access the underground tunnels that went down streets and all over! We used to close the theatre at night and then the fun would begin as we explored these tunnels.

The building itself was stunning with gold carved woodwork and marble stairs and bathrooms. The curtains alone were a magnificent dark red velvet and when you turned the foot lights on and stood on stage it felt as though you had stepped back in time to the old vaudeville theatre it had once been. The stage also had a trap door for magicians that went right into the basement!

One thing most people don't know about was the third balcony that had been closed off when it was converted from a theatre to a as a secret. These were indeed the "cheap seats" as they were very high and straight backed with none of the architectural specialties of the rest of the facility.

I felt terrible when they tore this down and made it an Ellis parking lot. It was a beautiful theatre with rich history.

5/16/2006 - Mike

This was a beautiful theater inside. I think the closing date was around 1975 or 1976 as I remember seeing movies at this time when we first moved to Grand Rapids. I do remember before it was torn down that it was to become the Civic theater and the Majestic torn down to make a parking lot, but it seemed at the last minute the Civic took the Majestic as they're home. Perhaps the Midtown made a more convenient location for a parking lot.

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Midtown Theatre - Grand Rapids MI