What’s happening: It’s officially
official. The historic Rogers Theater in downtown Rogers City has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, simultaneously securing the theater’s place in the fabric of American history while also providing the theater access to new opportunities for funding future projects.
What it is: Built in downtown Rogers City in 1937, the
Rogers Theater first opened as a one-screen, 500-seat movie theater playing the films of its era. A 1948 fire gutted the building, which was quickly rebuilt and expanded as a 650-seat movie theater. Renovations in 2002 modified the interior of the theater to support
live performances in addition to movie screenings. Subsequent renovations have occurred over the years, with more projects planned in 2025 and 2026.
What it does: Being listed in the National Register of Historic Places offers the Rogers Theater new opportunities for preservation and restoration, with various grants and tax credits now available to the current owners of the building: the
Presque Isle District Library (PIDL). The National Park Service operates the National Register of Historic Places, with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administering the program in-state.
Why it’s important: In addition to its important standing in the surrounding community for 87 years and counting, the Rogers Theater is especially notable for its design and architecture. Designed in the Art Moderne style popular of its time, the theater’s facade is uniquely clad in black and orange tilework. The theater’s marquee is also distinct, recently restored to its original and impressive splendor thanks to an ongoing and years-long renovations campaign from PIDL.
Renovations ongoing: PIDL launched
an extensive restoration and renovation campaign in 2023, first repairing the building’s north walls in January of that year before celebrating the repair and restoration of the theater marquee in September. A renovated concessions area opened in August 2024 and it’s expected that the outer lobby will be renovated next.
The Rogers Theater is located at 257 N. 3rd St. in downtown Rogers City.
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