Readers Sound Off About McDonald's Proposal to Demolish Detroit Theatre

Fast-food giant McDonald’s is that would demolish the nearly 90-year-old Detroit Theatre and plant the Golden Arches in its place.

Although the property hasn't been purchased yet, there have been — and — about the future of the historic building.

And Lakewood Patch readers have been sharing their thoughts along the way.

We thought we share some of the best.

"Since this would directly impact the street I live on; i am opposed to the idea of Mcdonald's moving to the Detroit theater space. We already have enough challenges on Wagar Avenue due to the bar patrons!!!" - Kathy Curran

"I think this is a horrible location! If McDonalds were to be on Detroit, I think a better location would be towards Bunts..." - Barb Mattis

"Could we not find a local business for this location (which I agree should stay a theater - the youth in our city need local, walkable activities)?" - Jana Christian

"McDonald's is going to buy this property and build the building they need to build. Any other meetings by city hall are just attempts to cover some of the politicians' rears. The Detroit Theater should have been designated a historical building some time ago, but city hall just didn't care about that building." - Jerry Rich

"I am so disappointed in Lakewood residents. Where were they when the theatre was open? The poor owner had to close because WE DIDN'T GO TO THE MOVIES AT HIS LOCATION!!! Now he's trying to sell it and save his investment and we are stopping it just because we don't want to be bothered? What would the people do if we tried to stop the sale of their homes because we thought it was so pretty? So sad to see the support too late. Isn't that always the case? We'll see a great show of citizen participation but in the end the golden arches will have a building that is consistent with their desires and needs. In the process, Lakewood is losing the charm that makes Lakewood a special place to live." - Holly Barnes

"The Detroit Theatre was a "discount theatre" where you didn't have to pay $8 a head like you do at Valley View Cinemark or Crocker Park's Regal. You get what you pay for!" - Peter Grossetti

"Is this building an historic landmark? Where is the historic preservationist and the urban planning lawyer?" - Julie Hutchison

Here are a few of the stories live on the site:

Check back for more stories as Lakewood Patch continues to cover this issue. Email editor Colin McEwen at colin.mcewen@patch.com to submit letters to the editor on the topic or join in the comment discussion on the site.