West Bloomfield Welcomes Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
If you’ve been feeling a bit blue since hearing that Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum was about to be demolished, we’ve got some fantastic news for you! This beloved institution is not just packing up and saying goodbye; it’s relocating to a brand new space in West Bloomfield!
New Location Details
Starting January 5, 2025, Marvin’s will bid adieu to its current spot in the Hunter’s Square Shopping Center and will be moving just five minutes north to 6421 Orchard Lake Road. That’s right! The new location is nestled in the Orchard Mall plaza, which will put the museum right next door to a Planet Fitness and a short hop away from the popular Shangri-La. Talk about a new neighborhood vibe!
More Space, More Fun!
Now, here’s where things get even more exciting: the new building is a whopping 14,000 square feet! That’s nearly triple the size of the cozy 5,300-square-foot space they’ve occupied since 1990. Owner Jeremy Yagoda has big plans for the new venue, including private party rooms for all those birthday bashes you’ve been dreaming about.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
The new layout will be designed to recreate that “sensory overload” that Marvin’s visitors know and love. While Jeremy admits that they may not have quite the same high ceilings as their current location, they’re committed to making the new place feel just as vibrant and exciting. “We are going to replicate it as well as we can,” he states with optimism.
Reviving Old Favorites
And guess what? There might be some nostalgic surprises in store! Rumor has it that they are considering bringing back an old animatronic Chuck E. Cheese show that has been gathering dust since the late ’90s. Jeremy received a message from a renowned group that specializes in restoring these classic animatronic shows. They’re eager to help get Marvin’s animatronic show back on track with modern technology! “There are groups out there who are passionate about these shows,” Jeremy explains. It looks like the charm of the past is about to make a grand comeback!
Community Support Shines Through
The news of the museum’s move comes on the heels of Farmington Hills’ City Council voting in February for the redevelopment of Hunter’s Square to make way for a new Meijer grocery store. This decision sparked a wave of community support; a petition to save Marvin’s garnered over 50,000 signatures, and many community members rallied together to voice their love for the museum.
Jeremy’s Commitment
Reflecting on the support, Jeremy shared how much it means to him. “It’s just so marvelous to see how many people the place has touched and have the passion for it.” And it’s clear that this passion runs deep; Jeremy mentioned he’s all in and that retirement is far from his radar due to his love for the work.
Looking Forward
The transition will take some time, as Jeremy plans to take a couple of days to relax before diving into the construction process at the new location. An exact date for reopening hasn’t been set yet, but rest assured, the excitement is building.
Final Thoughts
As we look ahead to the new chapter of Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum, it’s clear that the heart and spirit of this cherished place will continue to thrive in West Bloomfield. With a bigger space, a chance to revive the classics, and a devoted community backing it, the future is definitely looking bright! So get ready to pack your bags and head over to Marvin’s new location in just a couple of years!
