New Grand Entrance: An Update on the City Opera House

The scafolding has been removed and the new grand entrance is complete.

By: Gerie Greenspan

The 115^th Anniversary of the City Opera House begins the new year with improvements at the premiere address for special events in Traverse City. The newly completed Grand Entrance opens in February 2007 with restoration totaling $7.1 million that doesn't stop at elegance. At long last, the arts have a sidewalk-accessible home on Traverse City's main street. From flooring to fixtures, this City building offers a visible Up-North welcome and function for residents and visitors who seek a "hub" for a regional cultural information. A spectacular two-story oriel window crowns a new colorful storefront, and is the place to meet your friends and associates. It rises in full view of main street's cluster of 19^th century buildings dressed in the architectural details that are the envy of many communities.

Step inside the new red doors, and you will be rewarded by the lovely tiled Mathia Lobby, with a choice of paths to the upper floors-a bronzed passenger elevator or graceful open Grand Staircase all the way to the balcony. The woodwork within this restoration hearkens to Michigan's post-lumber boom era. The handsome brocade carpeting in blended earthy and jewel tones makes each visit special. It is the patron's path to enjoyment throughout a handful of gathering areas. Each may be rented independently for luncheons or small meetings. Space is prepared to receive new street-level ticketing partners for the region's first centralized box office.

The potential for active midweek use is unlimited for business, tourism and clubs. Should your program need special lighting effects or technical touches that put the pizzazz and polish on your message - they can provide! Busy weekends of entertainment, community and private events will delight audiences of 712 persons. You can see a film or art exhibit, and sit in seats named for "the people" of our community to listen to a wide variety of music. Dance, theater, musicals and comedy are perfect in this space under the ceiling's dome and vaults. In just a few weeks, you will relax in the plush, colorful replacement seats of deep ruby hues. Century-old patterns in wood and decorative arts restore add a unique accent to banquets and performances that will live on in memory.

If you look, there's a light on in the balcony window most nights in this hometown venue that speaks of high style in a bygone age. It slides easily into any walkable, modern routine. And, you will want to bring your family to linger and support Downtown for a meal, show and shopping in the boutique style we've come to value. The effect will grow to a longer retail day as demand and economic opportunity increases at the core of a Michigan Cool City. With more bells and whistles to come, certainly the Grand Traverse area is a shining star - taking action to celebrate and adapt its historic resources for the public.

Gerie Greenspan is the outgoing Executive Director of the City Opera House in downtown Traverse City.