Former Red Barn summer theater demolished

Grant Collection has plans for the property that adjoins the Emerson Lounge.

Spectators, including Candice Grant, far right, owner of the Grant Collection, watch as a demolition crew tears down the former Red Barn Theater at what is now the Emerson Lounge, 3657 63rd St., which is part of the Grant Collection, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The giant metal pincer grabbed the gable with a crack on Tuesday morning, June 2, 2026, beginning the demolition of a dilapidated century-old barn that was once a thriving summer theater.

“Goodbye, old barn,” said Candice Grant in a quiet, respectful voice as she stood across the street from the site at 3657 63rd St. Grant is owner of the Grant Collection, owner of the barn.

For a short video of the demolition, visit here.

A few moments after starting the demolition of the former Red Barn Theater, adjacent to the Emerson Lounge, 3657 63rd St., which is part of the Grant Collection, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The barn, built in 1921, was originally part of the Belvedere Estate. The barn was home to the Red Barn Theater beginning in 1954 and hosted live musicals, dramas and comedies during the summers for locals and tourists alike.

The theater was at one point enlarged to hold 500 people. The theater closed in 2002, according to the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center. It was an antique store before becoming the Guardian Brewery in 2017. The brewery closed in 2024, and Grant opened the Emerson Lounge at the site in January 2025.

The Emerson Lounge is part of the Grant Collection that also includes Port 393, at 393 Cleveland Ave. in Holland, Ivy House, 3291 Blue Star Highway in Saugatuck, the Belvedere Estate, 3656 63rd St., across the street from the Emerson Lounge, and Heritage Social, 310 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Emerson Lounge is an exclusive event venue for weddings, corporate events, rehearsal dinners and other celebrations.

A demolition crew works at the former Red Barn Theater, adjacent to the Emerson Lounge, 3657 63rd St., which is part of the Grant Collection, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The owners looked at saving the barn, which adjoins the lounge.

“The decision to remove the barn was not one we made lightly,” said Grant. “This building has been a cherished part of the property’s history for generations, and we are truly heartbroken to see it go. After extensive evaluations by multiple structural engineers, it became clear that preserving the structure was no longer a safe or viable option due to its deteriorated condition.”

As the heavy machinery continued to tear down the wooden structure, Grant said she had mixed feelings – sad to see the barn come down but glad for the changes ahead.

“While saying goodbye to the barn brings sadness, we are also looking toward the future with optimism. This moment presents an opportunity to thoughtfully reimagine the space and continue honoring the property’s legacy in new ways,” she said. “We are excited about the vision ahead and remain committed to creating a place where memories are made for generations to come.”

Grant did salvage some artifacts from the barn including a chandelier made from a wagon wheel and some of the theater’s seats.

A demolition crew takes down a cupola at the former Red Barn Theater, adjacent to the Emerson Lounge, 3657 63rd St., which is part of the Grant Collection, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.