Flint Township View

$15 million grant will support efforts to restore Capitol Theatre




FLINT — Efforts to renovate Flint’s historic Capitol Theatre have received a $15 million boost from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Mott awarded the grant to the Flint Cultural Center Foundation, a supporting organization of the Flint Cultural Center Corporation (FCCC). The funds will support efforts to restore and preserve the distinctive architecture of the theater, while updating it with cutting-edge technology and modern amenities.“This is a big step toward assuring the return of the Capitol Theatre to its former, fully operational glory,” said Jarret M. Haynes, executive director of The Whiting, a member organization of the FCCC. “The support from the Mott Foundation will allow us to transition the project from the concept and design phase to implementation.”

Earlier this month, The Whiting and Uptown Reinvestment Corporation (URC), a non-profit organization that focuses on revitalization projects, announced they had acquired the building. The two organizations are collaborating to return the Capitol to its place as a driving force in Flint’s arts and culture scene.

In addition to the grant from Mott, the project has received $4 million from The Hagerman Foundation and $5.5 million from the state of Michigan through its Community Revitalization Program. Renovations are expected to take 14 to 16 months.

A free community event at the Capitol will kick off the renovation efforts.

The public is invited to enjoy entertainment and refreshments today (July 21), from 4:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. The Capitol Theatre is located at 140 E. 2nd St. in Flint, Michigan. — G.G.


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