Restoring the Glow: The Elk Rapids Cinema Marquee Project

Help Us Bring the 1940 Art Deco Marquee Back to Its Original Brilliance

For 85 years, the marquee of the Elk Rapids Cinema has been one of the most beloved sights on River Street — its warm glow welcoming generations of families, visitors, and film lovers into the heart of the Village. Today, we are undertaking an ambitious effort to restore its original 1940 Art Deco brilliance and ensure this historic landmark continues to shine for decades to come.
Thanks to the support of the Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority, the cinema has been awarded a $17,896.20 Façade Improvement Grant. Additional funding from the Jimeyer Trust and a new community capital campaign will allow us to complete a full restoration of the marquee and related façade lighting.
What the Restoration Includes
  • Neon Restoration: Reintroducing the theatre’s original 1940s Bromo Blue neon and warm golden accent bulbs

  • Glass Block Tower Lighting: Restoring the internal illumination of the historic vertical tower above the marquee

  • Digital Display Upgrade: Installing a programmable screen that replicates the classic black-on-white letterboard while offering modern flexibility

  • Underside Lighting Repairs: Updating and enhancing lighting beneath the marquee for improved safety and visibility

  • Façade Lighting Enhancements: Highlighting the building’s distinctive Art Deco geometry

Once completed, the restored marquee will once again shine as a vibrant cultural beacon — honoring the theatre’s history while supporting a lively and welcoming downtown experience.

Join the Community Campaign - Every Gift Matters!

Our goal is to raise $27,000 from the community to complete this project.

Every contribution — whether $25 or $2,500 — helps ensure this historic landmark is preserved with care, accuracy, and pride.
Supporters can also create peer-to-peer fundraisers, allowing families, friends, and businesses to pool donations or raise funds in honor of loved ones.

All Donations are 100% Tax-Deductible!

The Chalfonte Foundation, owner and operator of the Elk Rapids Cinema, is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
Your donation to the marquee restoration project is fully tax deductible.

Help Restore the Glow

With your support, the Elk Rapids Cinema marquee will continue to welcome audiences, light up River Street, and strengthen the cultural heart of our community for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this historic restoration.
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