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Esquire Theater
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15327 E Jefferson Ave
Grosse Pointe MI
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| Record #13201 |
Opened: 1938
Closed: 1988
Demolished: 1990
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Capacity: 992 seats
Architect(s): C Howard Crane
Architectural Style(s):
National Register:
Current Organ: none |
| Also Known As: |
The Esquire developed quite a colorful history during the 1980s, resulting in a bitter feud between the owners and the city of Gross Pointe Park.
Originally a first-run theater operated by the Wisper and Wetsman circuit, it switched to second-run films after it was sold to the P&R Theater Company. The new owners installed 14 arcade games in the lobby, prompting the city to pass an ordinance limiting the number to five. Then, in 1982, the theater featured the film "Debbie Does Dallas", causing a stir in the community.
The Esquire closed in 1983, and was reopened by new owners Eric and Ervin Steiner, who split the auditorium into four screens in 1984. In 1986, local residents began complaining of unruly crowds at the theater and the city began charging patrons with a variety of disturbances, including assault and possession of drug paraphernalia. The Steiners accused the city of racism and the city closed down the theater in 1988, taking possession of the theater. The Steiners were paid $435,000 for the site and the city razed the theater in 1990.
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Last updated 2002-12-27.
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