the kalamazoo state theatre was built as a mid-sized picture palace in 1927 for the w.s. butterfield theatre chain. the state was constructed in 9 months for $350,000. initially it was home to vaudeville shows, dance recitals, and silent films. the kalamazoo state is an atmospheric theatre, which was one of the two basic design styles: atmospheric and conventional, that picture palaces could be. atmospheric meant that the palace gave the impression of sitting in an auditorium that opened to a night sky.