Creative Foam to Purchase Old Fenton Cinema

After several attempts from several parties to purchase the old Fenton Cinema, the building finally has a new buyer.

Creative Foam has announced the purchase of the property to provide the company with an area for possible expansion. The property, at 291 North Alloy Drive had been listed at $499,900. It sits directly across the street from Creative Foam, at 300 North Alloy Drive.

Creative Foam President and CEO David T. Swallow stated that the company plans to raze the old movie theater.

"Because the building and surrounding improvements have been allowed to deteriorate for some years, we are excited to be able to remove the structure and clean up the lot. This will improve the appearance of our community from US 23 until we are ready to expand," Swallow said in a press release.

Creative Foam was founded in Fenton in 1969. It is currently headquartered in Fenton where it has two manufacturing plants, an Engineering Center and Corporate Office. The company has facilities in four states with seven manufacturing facilities. Since 1969, Creative Foam has designed and manufactured cellular and non-cellular foams and plastics for customers in the automotive, medical and composite markets.

“We are very pleased to increase our investment in this supportive community and this region to help satisfy the needs of our growing customer base," Swallow said. "This provides a great opportunity to expand our operation in Fenton and possibly bring more jobs when the timing is correct."

The purchase of the property comes after several failed attempts by others.

Steve and Teresa LaFountain, of Kalamazoo, tried to obtain funding to resurrect the cinema. Another buyer also looked into reviving the old movie theater, but didn't purchase the property.

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