For generations, the glowing marquee of the Michigan Theater has been one of downtown Ann Arbor’s most recognizable sights.
But soon, that iconic feature may receive a long-discussed update designed to improve safety, sustainability and communication while preserving the historic character residents know and love.
According to Jennifer E. Balch, Director of Philanthropy for Marquee Arts, conversations about replacing the theater’s aging marquee panels have been underway for at least two years.
A practical need for change
The project grew out of a simple reality: the theater’s current marquee lettering system is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.
“The project was inspired by the fact that the letters we use are no longer available and many have broken,” Balch explained. “The ones we have are old and brittle.”
The marquee has an important purpose beyond announcing films and performances.
“The Marquee serves as a beacon for the Theater, reflecting its identity and inviting the community to engage with its programming,” Balch said.
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A digital system would allow theater staff to update messages more efficiently and safely. Currently, employees regularly climb ladders to manually change letters, a task that can become especially hazardous during Michigan winters.
“Balancing on ladders and installing the letters is especially hazardous during the winter,” Balch said.
The new system would allow staff to make updates from indoors while also providing greater flexibility.
“We’ll be able to include more information, correct mistakes, change the message quickly and from inside, and acknowledge donors and sponsors promptly and accurately,” she said.
Preserving the historic look
While the project introduces new technology, theater leaders emphasize that preserving the Michigan Theater’s historic identity remains a top priority.
In fact, the marquee visible today is not the original. Balch noted that the theater’s marquee has already undergone previous replacements, including a new installation in the 1950s and another during the theater’s major restoration project in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The proposal also received approval from Ann Arbor’s Historic District Commission in 2024.
Several signature features will remain untouched. “The outline of the marquee will not change; only the 3 panels for messages will be affected,” Balch said.
Perhaps most importantly, theater officials intend to preserve the familiar appearance of white lettering on a black background.
“It’s imperative that the style of the marquee letters is retained, that is, the ability to program the display to approximate what the marquee has always looked like — black background and white letters,” Balch said.
The project team is working with local neon expert Mark Chalou, known to many as “Mr. Neon.”
“You can see his work all over town and especially on E. Liberty at the State, NECTO, and most recently, Pinball Pete’s,” Balch said.
Community reactions
As discussions about the new marquee have continued, Balch said many longtime patrons have warmed to the proposal after learning more details.
“Naturally, there is some hesitancy at first, but when we explain the safety aspect—that only the panels are being replaced and that it will retain the style and character of the current marquee and letters—people are excited,” she said.
For those concerned about changing a beloved downtown landmark, Balch understands the sentiment.
“Believe me, I get it,” she said. “My heart breaks every time I drive by what used to be Braun Court.”
She added, “I understand. This is a change but it’s not unprecedented. The community trusted us before, and the Michigan was saved from becoming a food court. Later, we were entrusted with the restoration of the State, and it is now an homage to cinema and art deco design.”
As a nonprofit organization, she emphasized that long-term sustainability is driving the effort.
“As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, we are not motivated by profit, but we ARE motivated by sustainability. The current marquee is not sustainable.”
Raising funds for the project
The marquee replacement is part of a larger initiative to modernize signage at both the Michigan and State theaters, including concessions, donor recognition displays, show glasses and other signage.
The marquee portion of the project is expected to cost approximately $75,000.
Balch said a grant from the Towsley Foundation will cover most of the expense, with the remainder coming from community support.
“We want to get started soon, so we’ll be out telling the story and raising funds this summer,” she said.
Looking toward the future
The new marquee will combine restoration with modern technology and energy-efficient features. While the marquee panels will become digital, the theater’s vertical sign will be refurbished rather than replaced.
For Balch, honoring the theater’s legacy remains essential. “The community has entrusted us (and many past staff and Board members) with these two magnificent buildings; we understand the delicate balance of modernization and preserving the historic character of the building.”
After all, few images are more closely associated with Ann Arbor than the glowing theater marquees downtown.
“Google ‘Ann Arbor,’” Balch said. “The first image you see will probably be a view of the Michigan and State theaters’ gorgeous marquees. These theaters are quintessentially Ann Arbor. Their marquees represent 100 years of being a vital part of Ann Arbor’s arts and culture history.”
And when the upgraded marquee eventually lights up the night sky, Balch hopes residents will feel a renewed sense of civic pride.
“I grew up in Ann Arbor and have been here for 26 years, working in fundraising at the AAACF and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. As a townie, I care about these theaters personally and professionally,” she said.
A $5,000 match challenge was established by Karen and David Ufer. That means any gift up to $5,000 will be matched – it’s a great opportunity for donors to double their impact. To donate, visit marquee-arts.org.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
