Pardon our dust... and no, this is not an early April Fools joke! The Berkley marquee lights will go dark starting April 1 as we complete some essential structural maintenance. This important work, funded by the Downtown Development Authority, includes replacing support beams and completing critical steel repairs to preserve this community landmark.

 

The Berkley marquee has been a point of community connection since the Berkley Theatre first opened on 12 Mile in 1941. While many residents assume the marquee is City-owned, it's actually part of the building's facade and belongs to the building's owner. When the theatre closed in 1993, the City entered into a lease agreement to continue using the marquee for community announcements. The lease agreement was renewed at the March 17, 2025, City Council meeting.

Although the City has never owned the marquee, we've proudly maintained it over the years as part of the lease terms, with repair costs averaging $15,000 annually. The shutdown will also help us determine the specific electricity costs for keeping the marquee lit, as previously these costs were covered by Rite Aid as part of the building's single electric meter.

Currently, the building that houses the iconic marquee is in a transition period, and several development opportunities are being considered. While there isn't a set date for when the marquee will shine again, please know that the City has emphasized to every prospective tenant how important this landmark is to our community. We remain hopeful about working with future tenants to preserve this special piece of Berkley's character for years to come.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these necessary improvements!