Not So Weird Wednesday: Michigan Basement Transformed Into 1950's Diner and Drive-in Theater
If they haven’t done so already, most homeowners fantasize about finishing their basement. Some with the intent of making a family room, maybe a bar, or even a movie theater. These homeowners in Monroe, MI, took all those ideas and outdid them by transforming their basement into a 1950’s diner and drive-in.
For years, Debra and Tedd March had been dreaming of renovating their basement, so when their 25th anniversary rolled around, they knew a new basement is what they would gift themselves. When it came to designing the space, they had a clear vision—the couple wanted to use some of the space to recreate the lunch counters of the old Woolsworth’s department stores, and the remaining area to recreate a vintage drive-in theater.
The basement is adorned with items they couple has collected over the years: a jukebox that Tedd gave Debra on their fifth anniversary, a vintage candy machine, and a candy scale purchased at the closing of one of the Woolsworth’s stores. Other unique touches include heated checkered tile floors, custom painted murals, and their children’s framed varsity jackets and uniforms.
Revamping the basement took nearly 6 months, and the Marches are thrilled with the end result. The nostalgic space is used for entertaining— Debra often uses the griddle behind the counter to make classic diner food, and the movie theater is where the family spends their time when their children are in town.
