Berkley Theater to Reopen as Concert Venue Following $4M Purchase and Spring Renovation

Glenn Wilhelm bought the Berkley Theater building in downtown Berkley. He paid $4 million. The property will transform into a concert venue by late May 2026. Wilhelm owns The Roxy in Rochester and will launch the new BERKLEY Entertainment Complex with room for 880 guests.

The building started life as a movie house in 1941. Jurassic Park played there in 1993—one of the final films before Perry Drugs moved in. Rite Aid ran the space for roughly thirty years until closing in 2024.

Wilhelm wants to build places where people gather, particularly now, as screens are dominating daily life. "The more we get disconnected as a society and as a people — we're on our phones, we've got AI, and all these things — we really crave these things that we can do together, these gathering places," Wilhelm told The Detroit News.

Workers will preserve the marquee design and lettering outside. An exhibit inside will celebrate what the theater once was, according to Wilhelm.

Mark Dunneback is handling the design work. At his Rochester spot—which fits 500—Wilhelm has brought in acts like A Flock of Seagulls, Billy Bob Thornton, and Sponge.

"We've dabbled a little bit with (national acts) in Rochester, but that's a 500-seater. When it goes to 880, almost 900, it opens it up to a lot bigger acts," Wilhelm said. He hasn't announced which performers will appear at the Berkley location.

The venue will feature concerts, dueling pianos, and comedy nights. A lounge will also occupy part of the space.

Darlene Rothman directs the Berkley Chamber of Commerce. She thinks nearby shops and restaurants will benefit. "All of the other businesses are going to flourish because of this," Rothman said. Free parking makes the area even better, she added.

Berkley Mayor Bridget Dean praised Wilhelm's approach. The team respects what the building meant while making it work for modern audiences. "People in this community have fond memories of when it was the Berkley Theater, and that's just going to build, and a new generation of people will also have those memories," Dean said.

Rothman remembers her own trips there as a girl. "I remember coming in here, getting candy at the candy counter, and coming here many many Saturdays. As a kid, this is what we did," Rothman said.