Courtesy Photo Cleanup crews are seen working on the back warehouse of Thunder Bay Theatre, which was damaged by fire in December 2023.

ALPENA — Cleanup has started at Thunder Bay Theatre at 400 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena after a fire destroyed the theater’s 7,000-square-foot warehouse at the back of the building in December 2023.

The 2023 fire destroyed the warehouse, which was used for constructing sets, sewing costumes, and storing props. The warehouse also housed the theater’s backstage area. The cause of the fire was undetermined.

The December blaze was the second fire that damaged the theater building, as it suffered sufficient water and smoke damage from the July 2020 fire that consumed the adjacent John A. Lau Saloon, which was destroyed entirely. The theater has remained closed since the 2020 fire, with efforts underway to repair the damage and restore the building to its previous state as a popular year-round professional theater, drawing audiences from around the state.

Thanks to the firefighters’ efforts in response to the December 2023 fire, the primary part of the building which houses the auditorium, recently renovated lobby, and upstairs apartments, was spared from the second fire but suffered smoke damage.

The remaining warehouse structure, which in 2020 received a mural as part of the Fresh Waves mural project, which was severely damaged from the fire, will also be demolished.

TBT is saving some of the bricks that can be purchased for a suggested donation of $25. Donations can be made online at thunderbaytheatre.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/14445. Donations can also be made via mail to TBT, P.O. Box 314, Alpena, MI 49707. Please include contact information to coordinate brick pick-up.

TBT Board President Anne Gentry is grateful for those who have donated to the theater’s rebuilding campaign.

“We are the only year-round professional theater in the region,” Gentry said.

Since having to close down in July 2020, the theater has not had any operational income, she explained.

“The donations that have come in have really kept us afloat,” she said. “Any support is so appreciated. We’re still chugging along, and we will reopen.”

Renovation had begun on the main part of the building in September 2023.

Built in 1904, the building was originally a grocery store and pharmacy built by Edward C. Spens and then housed the Alpena Cigar and Candy Company. TBT has owned and operated the building since 1983. After a 2020 fire that destroyed the neighboring John A. Lau Saloon, the organization began a $1.4 million renovation to completely upgrade the facility, including restoring the historic facades, purchasing a new roof, updating electrical and plumbing, restoring the lobby, and updating the upstairs apartments.

TBT’s Board of Directors has secured just over $1 million in grant funding and foundation support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the Besser Foundation, and the First Federal Legacy Foundation.

The original renovation will continue as planned after the warehouse is cleaned up. The second fire wasn’t the only setback the organization has faced since renovation began. Over the summer, the theater was broken into, and $25,000 worth of lighting and sound equipment was stolen. Although a suspect has been identified, most of the equipment was not recovered. The organization plans to fundraise to replace and upgrade the lighting and sound systems before re-opening.

“The Thunder Bay Theatre Board of Directors is committed to reopening and bringing back one more venue of the performing arts for the community’s enjoyment,” said TBT Vice President Sarah Fritz. “We would also like to thank the Alpena community and the surrounding areas for their support and generosity. The show will go on.”

For updates on the renovation, follow Thunder Bay Theatre on Facebook and Instagram. Those interested in donating to rebuilding efforts can do so by contacting 989-354-2267 or visiting www.thunderbaytheatre.com.