The Star Reborn: The Jewel of Brooklyn, Michigan Set to Reopen

Growing up in Brooklyn, Michigan, in the 1980s, the Star Theater was the first taste of independence I, and most kids in town, ever experienced. Our parents would drop us off in front of the bright marquee where we would meet our friends, pay at the ticket booth, hit the concession stand (and the Coca-Cola fountain dispenser, a one-of-a-kind item even then), and eventually head in to check out a film.

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The Star Theater closed in the early 1990s and has remained vacant ever since. I was overjoyed to hear that a group called Irish Hills Sports and Recreation had purchased the theater, so I reached out to the people behind it to find out the plan for restoring and breathing new life into the former "Jewel of Brooklyn."

Irish Hills Sports and Recreation Purchases Brooklyn, Michigan's Vacant Star Theater

Let me save you the Google search: Irish Hills Sports and Recreation is a recently registered and approved 501c3 whose mission is to improve the lives of families and enrich the community in Brooklyn and its surrounding areas. But who started the organization and was willing to invest in what many had considered Brooklyn's White Elephant?

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Enter Cyle Young and Cody Morehead, the names behind the 501C3. Though some may recognize those names, many are still left scratching their heads. Who are these guys, and why are they looking to reopen Brooklyn's Star Theater?

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As if another echo of my childhood needed to be heard, Young is the Lead Pastor, and Morehead serves as the Associate Pastor of Heart of the Lakes United Brethren Church just outside the Brooklyn Village limits. This is another location where my parents would drop me off; however, this was the home of my daycare and where the pastor's wife would give me piano lessons at their house on the other side of Jefferson Road.

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The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Hills Heart of the Lakes is the same organization that built a gymnasium onto its building, invited the area youth in for pickup basketball games, and hosted lockins on New Year's Eve. Though I was never a member, this church was a huge part of my childhood.

The Who, What, When, and Why Behind Reopening The Jewel of Brooklyn, Michigan

My curiosity now peeked; I had more questions that needed answering. I was fortunate to speak with Jessica Malcheff, Irish Hills Sports and Recreations Development Director, to get some more details about the building's plan, what they plan to do with the Star Theater, and when it will open.

Malcheff shared that they have met with several contractors who are putting together bids for the renovations, which they hope can mimic the decor and feel of the Star when it originally opened in 1937. Hence, they are in fundraising mode to raise $1,937,000. Malcheff estimates that $1 million will be allocated to renovations and restorations, while the remaining balance will go into an endowment to fund the operations.

Speaking of operations, what do they plan to use the theater for? Will we see movies again at the Star Theater, and if so, when? The answers are yes and Fall 2026. Movies will be a part of their offerings, but they're considering this a multi-purpose venue for stage productions, conferences, and private events. Will there be R-rated films? While Malcheff didn't rule it out, she reiterated that the entertainment would be family-friendly.

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Full disclosure: I once joined a theater group called Left of Center Theater. We attempted to reopen the Star in 2009, which MLive covered, but were met with several challenges and ultimately couldn't pull it off.

That said, I know the potential it had then, and with the current backing of the Irish Hills Sports and Recreations behind it and the passion of those involved, I'm looking forward to an opening night soon at The Jewel of Brooklyn, THE Star Theater.

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If you'd like more information about the project or to make a donation, visit RestoreTheStar.com.