Press Release

Tibbits cupola restoration complete

Date:  03/31/2009

COLDWATER, MI—

A month and a half after the cupola was rebuilt and raised to the top of the historic Tibbits Opera House, Tibbits staff released information on the impact of the reconstruction project. 

Actual construction took two weeks to build, one day to raise to the top of the building and an additional few days to secure and complete work in the attic and on the roof. Some final painting and roof work needed to wait until more moderate temperatures.  Approximately 61 individuals from 14 different companies played a role in the reconstruction project providing a significant economic impact. According to Milt Winters of Foulke Construction, the company responsible for the work, that doesn’t include the people involved down the pipeline like the manufacturers of the various materials or the local companies which provided additional supplies or served workers throughout the work.   

The addition to the building has changed the skyline for Coldwater.  Tibbits staff has received many positive comments about the change. One family they are aware of came to the theatre for the first time specifically because they noticed the impressive dome as they were driving through town.

The work has garnered attention from across the state as well, including Lansing and from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network.  Deborah Deacon Odette a representative from the MHPN recognized Tibbits’ restoration efforts as well as the Tibbits Summer Theatre program, in her testimony before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee for History, Arts and Libraries. Her testimony was to encourage funding for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs in the next state budget.  According to Christine Delaney, Tibbits executive director, “I didn’t know her. She didn’t know me. I was surprised and very pleased when she used Tibbits as one of the success stories for the value of the MCACA.” After Odette spoke, Sen. Cameron Brown who serves as vice chair of the subcommittee introduced Delaney and acknowledged the impressive work of the Tibbits cupola.

The City of Coldwater on behalf of the Tibbits, received a $36,500 capital improvement grant from the MCACA during its 2008 funding cycle. The grant was part of the $126,580 final construction cost for the cupola. The cupola reconstruction is part of Phase 3 of the restoration effort to totally restore the theatre’s original 1882 façade. The repointing of the north, south and west walls was also part of this phase. 

Funding for the final piece, the rest of the front of the building, received a huge boost in December with the receipt of the Scenic Byways grant from the Federal Highway Administration. According to Barb Miller, Tibbits development director, “We’re more than two thirds of the way to our goal. The volunteers are energized to make this happen, now that we have such a beautiful example of what we’re doing and the difference it makes.”

Part of the buzz about the new addition, according to Delaney is over the ‘S’ on top in the shingles.  “It stands for Smith, Barton Tibbits’ middle name.”  Delaney says many people have suggested that in true monogram fashion it should be the T in the center. Delaney says, “While that may be true, it’s not how Barton Tibbits did it.”