{"id":2298659,"date":"2026-02-25T02:16:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T02:16:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2298659"},"modified":"2026-02-25T02:16:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T02:16:22","slug":"historic-berkley-theatre-building-to-become-live-entertainment-venue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/historic-berkley-theatre-building-to-become-live-entertainment-venue\/","title":{"rendered":"Historic Berkley Theatre building to become live entertainment venue"},"content":{"rendered":"

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BERKLEY, Mich. (WXYZ) \u2014 A beloved landmark on 12 Mile Road between Wakefield Road and Robina Avenue is getting a second life. The building that once housed the Berkley Theatre is being transformed into a $4 million live entertainment venue.<\/p>\n

Many residents remember visiting the Berkley Theatre to catch a movie. After five decades of creating memories, it closed in 1993, eventually becoming home to a Rite Aid store and several other businesses before sitting empty in recent years.<\/p>\n

Watch Demetrios Sanders’ video report below:<\/b><\/p>\n

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Historic Berkley Theatre building to become live entertainment venue<\/p>\n

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Dave Sears, a Berkley resident, remembers the original theater fondly.<\/p>\n

“It was a super cool venue. It was really old school,” Sears said.<\/p>\n

When the Rite Aid closed, neighbors were left wondering about the property’s future.<\/p>\n

“We were really sad when the Rite Aid left and closed. So we were thinking what happens next?” Sears said.<\/p>\n

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WXYZ<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Last year, Glenn Wilhelm, who owns the Roxy in Rochester, purchased the theater property.<\/p>\n

“We fell in love with the building, the marquee is beautiful, and the community,” Wilhelm said.<\/p>\n

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WXYZ<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Wilhelm is now renovating the space into a live entertainment venue with a capacity of up to 880 people.<\/p>\n

“We’re going to have dueling piano shows, comedy shows, live bands, we’re going to have national touring acts in here,” Wilhelm said.<\/p>\n

The venue will also feature bar areas, a restaurant and a lobby that pays homage to the Berkley Theatre.<\/p>\n

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WXYZ<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Wilhelm said the demolition phase is wrapping up and building is now moving forward.<\/p>\n

“We have the shell here. So now we can start filling the pieces and finishing it up,” Wilhelm said.<\/p>\n

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Glenn Wilhelm<\/p>\n<\/div>

A courtesy rendering<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Berkley Mayor Bridget Dean said the project will complement the city’s downtown.<\/p>\n

“Because it will increase foot traffic. It’ll bring people to Berkley that perhaps have never been or they were here once a long time ago, but it gives them a reason to come back,” Dean said.<\/p>\n

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WXYZ<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Local business owners are also looking forward to the renewed energy the venue will bring to the area. Kelly Pettibone, owner of Naka, shared her enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

“I’m excited to see that space not sitting empty, to see something happening there that’s good for the community. I think everybody’s going to love it,” Pettibone said.<\/p>\n

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\n \"RENDERING-BERKLEY<\/p>\n

Glenn Wilhelm<\/p>\n<\/div>

A courtesy rendering<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The goal is to open the venue in late April or early May.<\/p>\n

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n