Eaton Theatres
Address:
235 S Cochran Ave. Charlotte, MI
About:
The Eaton Theatres opened as a single screen in 1931 and is located downtown Charlotte. It was closed for a short time in 1960 and a second screen was added by the Beechler Theatres. Built during the Art Deco era it was remodeled when a second screen was added. The renovations transformed the balcony area into a second theater. Eighty plus years later, the theater still has its has the same large square marquee and the vertical sign. however the balcony area was transformed into a separate upstairs room to house a second screen.
Saving The Theater:
In recent years, the Eaton Theatres faced a difficult transition to digital technology. Unfortunately, the theater was required to purchase digital projectors that cost upwards of $60,000 each. Financing options to help with that expense were largely limited to the larger theaters that show new releases 80% of the time. To keep the theater from going out of business, owner Sue McNeel started a fundraiser to hopefully raise $40,000 in 2013. Fortunately, $42,000 was raised, allowing the theater to keep playing movies.
In recent years, the Eaton Theatres faced a difficult transition to digital technology. Unfortunately, the theater was required to purchase digital projectors that cost upwards of $60,000 each. Financing options to help with that expense were largely limited to the larger theaters that show new releases 80% of the time. To keep the theater from going out of business, owner Sue McNeel started a fundraiser to hopefully raise $40,000 in 2013. Fortunately, $42,000 was raised, allowing the theater to keep playing movies.