Pie Factory Becomes a Center for the Arts

Location: 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck
Date: 1951-present

When Lloyd J. Harris brought World War II mass-production food technology to the area he created the home of America’s first frozen pies and took the local fruit growing industry to the modern world. Saugatuck pie factory workers processed thousands of frozen pies for American tables across the country. The doors eventually closed, and pie production ceased in 1998. After extensive renovation, the Saugatuck Center for the Arts emerged. The SCA provides a new arts and culture focal point in a town that prides itself on its long, rich history in the arts. The SCA’s mission is “to enhance the performing, cinematic, and visual arts; arts education; and cultural experiences available to children and adults in Saugatuck, Douglas, and the greater lakeshore community.” It provides the home for the Mason Street Warehouse Theater and various other arts venues.