DargaWorks

Lakeside entrances to Hannah Lay Building are cleaned up and ready for summer. The blossoms this year are stunning. Stop by and check it out.

WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO CELEBRATE THE 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF REBUILDING THE STATE THEATRE IN BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY!
Below is a published article from Michael Moore

Friends —
15 years ago tonight, after a massive undertaking to rebuild and restore northern Michigan’s 100-year old movie palace, we joyfully reopened the historic State Theatre of Traverse City.

It was an incredible evening. Governors Granholm and Milliken were there to cut the ribbon. Comedian Jeff Garlin from HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm" was the MC. Five of us put up the money for the restoration. Rotary Charities (holder of the deed) donated the building to our nonprofit, Thom Darga organized a crew who gave up deer season to bring the State back to life. So many volunteers pitched in. Jenn Jennings was there at 6am every morning as superintendent of everything. Buzz Wilson was our civic guru. Our current Mayor, Richard Lewis, was then City Manager and our shining knight who shepherded the whole thing through a very supportive City Hall and City Commission.

So many more names need to be mentioned. This town pulled together in an amazing way. I felt so lucky to have chosen to live here. And every time I walked by the closed-down State Theatre, my conscience would ask me a simple question: “You are a filmmaker — why do you allow this theater to remain closed?” Ok, ok, I wound mumble back to myself, and one day I asked the city for a key so I could take a look inside. I was stunned to see how much of it was still in good condition, even though the balcony was gone and there was no screen or projectors or anything but 55-year old seats. That was enough for me. Our small board of John Robert Williams, Doug Stanton, and myself got together and said let’s do this. And we did.

The entire reconstruction took six weeks.

Just before the pandemic we were close to selling our 2 millionth ticket at the State. That will now happen in the coming year. It’s been an exciting 15 years. Bringing movies that often would never make it to TC. Exposing young people to foreign movies from around the world. Documentaries to bring truth during a time of “alternate facts.” And just great movies. Thanks to all of you for being part of this.