STURGIS, Mich. — The Strand Theater, a beloved downtown landmark in Sturgis for over six decades under family ownership, has been listed for sale, with its final day of operations set for December 31, 2025.
Third-generation owner Eric Saitz announced the sale earlier this month, citing significant shifts in the movie theater industry as the primary reason. “Things have changed,” Saitz told WOODTV, pointing to the rise of massive multiplex cinemas—such as 16-plex and 32-plex venues—that have made it increasingly difficult for small independent theaters to compete. Despite challenges in securing first-run films due to limited prints and timing constraints, Saitz expressed pride in bringing major Hollywood releases to the small community of Sturgis, crediting strong local support for enabling the theater to punch above its weight.
The theater, housed in a building constructed in 1910, has been operated by the Saitz family since they acquired it in 1962. The family first entered the movie business in 1949 in Berrien Springs, later expanding to other locations including Bronson and Paw Paw. Under their stewardship, the Strand’s main stage was divided into two screens, and the current lobby was repurposed from an adjacent retail space. Remnants of its history remain visible, such as a cut-out from the old concession stand (now housing a fire extinguisher) and a hidden photo of the original facade behind the former ticket box.
On a rainy post-Christmas Friday, families continued to flock to the theater for showings, including the latest Avatar film, as Saitz worked the ticket booth. Longtime patrons shared nostalgic memories, with resident Kathy Hewitt recalling her earliest visit in 1975 to see Jaws. “We’d get a dollar and we would go to the movies and get to eat, and it was our entertainment and just really awesome memories,” Hewitt said. Another community member, Lori Van Dosen, described the closure as a “tough loss,” praising Saitz as “a great man, family man.”
Saitz remains hopeful for the theater’s future, stating he wishes for the next chapter to “bring a new life to this old theater.” Community members have shown support during the closure, sharing memories on social media and offering encouragement despite their sadness.
The asking price for the property was not disclosed in the report.
