Its sad to see a local landmark fall. Especially one that’s been a staple of your childhood and community in which you grew up in.

Studio 28 is located in Wyoming, Michigan – a suburb just south of Grand Rapids. (Read my Grand Rapids travelogue here.) It was announced that it’s last day will be November 23rd.

Before gargantuan multiplexes arrived with their stadium seating and 3D screens, Studio 28 was where young people gathered on weekends to hang out, socialize, and of course watch movies. This was also before the age of cell phones and pagers. For some its difficult to image coordinating meeting point near a certain door or video game. There was no “where you at?” – and if late you might never find your friends.

Studio 28 was billed as the nation’s first “Multiplex movie facility,” and at its time was the most technologically advanced multiplex in the country. From the Grand Rapid’s Press Mark Serba:

For many years, Studio was the mecca of movies in Grand Rapids — and, at one time, in the United States. Brainchild of Jack Loeks, it was the country’s first multiscreen theater complex and, from 1988 to 1995, the biggest with 20 screens.

That’s why it is no exaggeration to call the closing of Studio 28 the end of an era. During 43 years in business, it was an industry-changing business model copied by companies nationwide.

Studio 28′s name is based on it’s location on 28th Street, a busy commercial corridor stretching from Grandville to Kentwood. While growing up in the 80s this was the street to visit for all your Saturday shopping, from appliance stores to the famous Grand Rapids furniture dealers, and of course the always elegant Roger’s Department Store. Unfortunately with exurban development further south many of these big name retailers and independent businesses closed. The past 10 years have seen a decline in the quality and appeal of 28th Street. Currently many of the tenants consist of check cashing stores and cell phone outlets – and appear even more garish by being housed in the shells of abandoned Arby’s and Taco Bells. Wyoming officials are finding it hard to fill the space. The closing of Studio 28 will not help this situation, but hopefully local leaders will be creative in filling the space.

One bright side of 28th Street: Marge’s Donut Den which still operates a thriving coffee shop near US 131. No drive down 28th Street is complete without stopping in. I even bought t-shirts last time through.

The Grand Rapids Press article.