When a citizens group in Owosso, Michigan approached me in 2009 about renovating the historic Joseph H. Lebwosky Center in downtown Owosso, my curiosity was piqued. Once I met with the group and saw the devastation caused by an arson fire in 2007, my passion for reconstructing a building and restoring a community was definitely fueled. I was so impressed with the city leaders of Owosso and their dedication to the arts and the community. This was the perfect project for the Bazzani team.
Let me give you some history. Originally, it was built as Capitol Theater, a 1,200-seat vaudeville house at its opening in 1926, and later, a movie house. It closed as a movie theater in 1985. After a brief period as home to a church, the Owosso Players took over the building for live theatrical performances. The name is in honor of the builder, Joseph H. Lebowsky whose family owned the theater.