Local developer has big plans for two downtown theatres
ALPENA, Mich.– local property developers announced their purchase of two major downtown properties on August 7.
Jeff and Tina Konczak have big plans for the State and Royal Knight Theatres they acquired from A.M.C. Jeff Konczak said that taking over the State Theatre has been a dream of his for nearly twenty years. He also said he’s incredibly fond of the building’s history and hopes to restore the 800–seat space to its original form as the Maltz Opera House.
The Royal Knight Theatre, meanwhile, will be re–opened as a three–screen movie theatre with its original 1940s facade restored. Jeff Konczak said the Royal Knight will also be the first to undergo the restoration.
“My goal would be… Y’know, the end of this month, the beginning of next month we start peeling off the front of that building.” Konczak said in an interview with WBKB, “And then get the outside tidied up as we go into winter. And then completely renovate the inside, and then in the spring come out with a completed, new theatre.”
As he has the work done on the Royal Knight, Jeff Konchak will be gathering historical sources and researchers to help ensure the accuracy of the State Theatre restoration project.
He hopes to have the community’s support in his efforts, and appreciates any old photos of the building that residents may have in their family albums.
