FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) — Sunday marks the end of an era for Jeremy Yagoda, owner of Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum. But it’s not the end of the Metro Detroit institution.
Marvin’s, which has been in Farmington Hills since 1980, will close on Jan. 5 as Yagoda prepares to move the business to West Bloomfield Township.
Yagoda describes Marvin’s as “a sensory overload” full of everything from arcade games dating back to the early 1900s to the most modern pinball machines and video games, along with magic billboards, airplane memorabilia, circus memorabilia, advertising memorabilia and more.
The “museum” has gained a large following of fans over the years, many of whom were disappointed last year when Yagoda announced he was in search of a new home because the plaza where Marvin’s has been for decades had been sold.
After months of searching he announced last month that he had found a new location — which will be about three times larger — at the Orchard Mall at Maple and Orchard Lake Roads.
Yagoda told WWJ Newsradio 950’s Beth Fisher he’s “really excited” about the move.
“It’s definitely crazy, we’re having a great time in here, getting ready to start the move and the next chapter,” he said.
Yagoda told WWJ last month he knew he had to make the most out of the Farmington Hills City Council’s decision to approve a redevelopment plan for the Hunter’s Square Shopping Center. The redevelopment plan is set to feature a new Meijer and several restaurants.
“When life hands you lemons, just make lemonade. Make the best out of what you’re given,” he said.
Yagoda says fans will have a chance to share their memories with a documentary film crew this weekend.
“This weekend we’re asking for people who’ve been fans and have been coming here for years to come in because they’re doing a documentary on this and just share some of your memories with us,” he said.
“If anybody has any interest in possibly being a part of the film, the crew will have a mini-interview corner setup for anyone to tell any stories or memories of Marvin’s or Marvin himself,” Yagoda said in a New Year’s Day Facebook post. “We are very excited for everyone to come enjoy our original location for one more Marvelous weekend.”
While an exact opening date for the new location is yet to be determined, Yagoda is hoping to have it up and running sometime this spring. He said he will share updates on an opening date on Facebook as it approaches.
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