Monroe St. Drive-In: Powered by Emagine

Conceptualized during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by lockdowns and the need for creative, safe entertainment options. The Monroe St. Drive-In coincided with a renaissance of drive-in theaters to offer a nostalgic and socially distant way for communities to come together while uniquely infusing with a modernized, urban flair.

The activation was met with high acclaim, including from industry giants Hulu and National Geographic, who selected the venue to host the premiere screening of the Genius: Aretha Franklin series in its inaugural season.

  • Inspired by the resurgence of drive-in theaters, this project sought to capture the nostalgia of 1950’s retro while creating a unique, modern, and urban drive-in experience.

    Featuring a state-of-the-art 40x70 ft digital projection screen, the site delivered a cinematic experience that was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The venue also boasted a range of amenities, including concessions, restrooms, and nightly programming curated by local entertainers.

  • The drive-in was firmly rooted in the community, actively engaging with local organizations and charitable groups. The venue hosted sponsored screenings that not only entertained but also raised awareness and funds for various causes, strengthening the bonds within the Detroit community.

    Nightly programming also provided a platform for emerging talent, featuring DJs, live performers, and more— infusing the drive-in experience with vibrancy and community spirit.

  • ComePlayDetroit: ComePlayDetroit partnered with the Monroe St. Drive-In to introduce an innovative food delivery service. This initiative not only catered to the tastes of patrons but also supported local businesses and downtown tenants. The concept was simple: encourage guests to order takeout from nearby restaurants, and the ComePlayDetroit team would deliver the meal directly to their vehicles.

    Emagine: Bringing extensive cinematic expertise to the table, Emagine managed everything from curating film selections to staffing, ensuring that each movie screening was nothing short of exceptional.

    Hulu/National Geographic: Further activated the site by selecting our venue to host the premiere screening of the "Genius: Aretha Franklin" series.

    Groundswell Design Group: Our contracted design firm specializing in landscape architecture, site design, and placemaking.

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