THE HISTORY OF THE MARINER THEATER

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The Mariner Theater has been a cornerstone of Marine City’s story for nearly a century. Johnson Construction Company, based in Birmingham, Michigan built the Mariner with a focus on unique architectural designs and features. The company, led by Al Johnson, often incorporated features like distinctive tile exteriors, which are still visible around the two front windows. Many of their creations have been repurposed or demolished. The Mariner opened in 1927 as a vaudeville theater before transitioning to movies in the early 1930s. For years it was owned and operated by Marv Clemons, serving as a gathering place for entertainment and community life. Marv made sure to keep the front door open for all to smell the fresh popped popcorn. 

By the late 1970s, the theater closed its doors and was purchased by investors who gutted the building, converting it into a small plaza with shops and a beauty salon. The venture began to struggle, and by the mid-1980s the property was once again for sale.

That’s when Pete Paxton, a colorful and eccentric businessman, purchased The Mariner. With a vision for both preservation and reinvention, he transformed the plaza into office space that he leased out and, working with architect Larry Nichols, constructed a remarkable 2,300-square-foot penthouse apartment in what had once been the stage’s fly space. Pete lived and worked in the building until his passing in 2009.

In 2015, the Paxton family sold The Mariner to Gary Kohs and Laura Scaccia. A year later, the penthouse served as office space for Marketing Corporation of America (Fine Art Models), who relocated their company—and its breathtaking museum-quality models—to Marine City. The builder's model of RMS Titanic was front and center on stage along with a Titanic exhibit. For several years, The Mariner operated as a museum and cultural venue, hosting shipbuilding lectures and events, with proceeds from ticket sales donated to local charities. After Gary’s passing in 2017, the building closed once more, sitting quietly for nearly four years.

Then, in 2020, The Mariner began its next chapter, under the direction of Laura Scaccia. Reopened as a unique shopping destination, the historic building now houses four distinctive retail shops under one roof, offering visitors a blend of history, charm, and modern shopping experiences.

Today, The Mariner is proudly owned by Paul and Laura Merchant, who also call the penthouse home. With its original brick walls, skylights, curated décor, and rooftop deck overlooking the St. Clair River, the apartment is as much a work of art as it is a residence.

The Mariner is more than just a building—it’s a living story of reinvention and preservation, a place where the past meets the present, and shopping is anything but ordinary.