HILLSDALE — The search for a long-term operator of the Dawn Theater has narrowed to two finalists, with a decision possible this fall from the Hillsdale Tax Increment Financing Authority.
During a meeting July 21, the TIFA Board reported that negotiations are continuing with Friends of the Dawn and Jason Walters & Associates.
TIFA’s Targeted Development Committee has spent recent months reviewing proposals and requesting additional information from applicants.
The committee previously described Friends of the Dawn as the strongest overall submission, citing an alignment with the original request for proposals and a focus on community-oriented programming. However, they raised concerns over the nonprofit’s long-term ability to operate the venue without relying heavily on fundraising and grants.
Jason Walters & Associates, meanwhile, proposed a vision that includes frequent programming and multiple business uses within the building. The committee agreed the proposal could increase downtown activity, but requested additional information on financing, operating budgets and proposed building modifications.
TIFA Board Chair Andrew Gelzer said the evaluation continues and indicated a final selection could be made around Oct. 1. The selected organization will oversee day-to-day operations, manage events and help shape the venue’s future.
TIFA purchased the Dawn Theater and Keefer House Hotel in 2015 from Dr. Jeff Horton in hopes of redeveloping the long-vacant structures. The latter was eventually sold to CL Real Estate, which had a grand vision to re-open the boutique hotel with additional commercial retail space and a restaurant.
TIFA managed redevelopment of the Dawn Theater with the aid of a $1.3 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation — but the funds required TIFA to maintain ownership of the building. The venue reopened in 2021.
CL Real Estate took over management in 2022, hoping to tie entertainment with hotel bookings at Keefer House. However, the company sought to end their lease in 2025 to focus solely on finishing work at the hotel, which is slated to open in 2026.
While negotiations with a possible future operator continue, TIFA is working to keep the theater active with public events by The Taildraggers on Sept. 12 and a performance of The Nutcracker on Dec. 6.
TIFA’s next informational meeting is scheduled for Aug. 18.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Two groups have different visions for historic Dawn Theater
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News | USA TODAY Network
