in 1982, butterfield decided to stop showing first-run movies at the state and it was closed that same year due to poor profits and the spreading popularity of the suburban movie multiplex. the closing of such a historic part of kalamazoo began to mobilize community members. efforts to save the theatre from a tragic end were pursued by several local entrepreneurs and preservationists. local arts groups and city officials formed the "save the state" committee in an effort to preserve the theatre's legacy along with the building. the solution came when the building was purchased in 1985 by the hinman company. the purchase brought about further renovation and worked to preserve a part of kalamazoo's history. recent preservation efforts have helped to restore the original splendor of the state. after years of uncertainty, kalamazoo's state theatre has survived to attract a wide variety of performers. it is one of the few remaining atmospheric movie palaces in the united states.