The GhostLight Theater in Benton Harbor is now the proud owner of its building.

The GhostLight has been located at 101 Hinkley Street in the Benton Harbor Arts District since 2018, having purchased the building from neighborhood developer and advocate Ken Ankli. Ankli tells us since the theater opened its doors, it has thrived and helped to invigorate the area. So, he decided to forgive The GhostLight’s final $28,500 in loan payments on the building and property.

Ankli says the GhostLight has really made the most of the 3,000 square foot facility since he sold it to them.

“The building was a shell, there was nothing in it, no infrastructure, no plumbing, minimal electrical, everything that you see in there today is, those are all improvements the GhlostLight made to that building,” Ankli said.

Ankli bought the building from Cornerstone Alliance around 2015. It used to house offices associated with a printing company that once existed nearby. Since moving in, The Ghostlight has invested around $500,000 in the property, turning it into a bustling black box theater.

GhostLight manager Paul Mow tells us the theater has received another shot in the arm with the forgiveness of the rest of its property loan.

“Just the equity with our bank and just being completely debt free is something that any arts organization, maybe non-profit organization, a lot of them, dream about and never really find to fruition,” Mow said. “So, I’m pretty happy with things the way they’ve been going and we’re kind of bursting at the seams.”

With that, Mow says they’re looking into doing some expansions at The GhostLight. Expect to hear more about that in the future.

For now, Mow says the theater is entering the final weekend of its production of Pippin. They’re also planning another run of the Rocky Horror Picture Show this fall. Anyone interested in getting involved with The GhostLight Theater can give them a call.