Christine, representing Tibbetts Theatre, updated the Downtown Development Authority on the theatre’s summer season and outreach at the June 25 meeting. She said the theatre has completed east‑side façade work on its building and reported successful summer programming, including strong attendance for family shows and recent musicals.

"It looks fabulous on the East side," Christine said of the completed work on the theatre building. She described a busy summer season with family programming, a world‑premiere show and concerts scheduled later in August that will feature performers from the Coldwater area.

Facade restorations and reimbursements: Audrey, the DDA director, told the board that the facade restoration project has been completed at 40 South Hanchette Street and 5 South Monroe. Staff said they will schedule check presentations and wrap up the facade program once the city receives remaining grant reimbursement from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The director said the second disbursement from the state will be roughly $37,050, which will complete the $75,000 total award for the program.

Property sales and vacancies: Staff reported that 71 and 73 West Chicago Street were sold to the current owner without a development agreement and that that outcome means the city has no control over future uses for those buildings. The listing has been canceled and the properties are not currently on MLS, staff said. Separately, Just Winn Liquidation appears to have identified a larger space elsewhere and will close its current downtown location in the next week while it relocates.

Why it matters: The theatre’s programming contributes to downtown cultural activity and visitation; completed facade projects and the expected state reimbursement affect the DDA’s year‑end accounting. The sale of two storefronts without development agreements highlights a loss of leverage for the city on future uses of those properties.

What’s next: Staff will schedule award presentations for completed facade restorations, close out the grant once state reimbursement is received, and continue to monitor downtown vacancies and property listings.