Many feel nostalgia for their childhood, and for some who want to fill that nostalgia, a small little arcade in Farmington Hills is their outlet. Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum was originally opened in 1990 by Marvin Yagoda. Since then, the museum has collected a gamut of machines, memorabilia and fun little trinkets. Some are priceless, like the specialty machines built by Yagoda himself. The rows of vintage arcade machines, pinball machines and automatic displays attract patrons from all over, with one patron stating, “I fly in to see family every year from New York, and I always take time to stop by Marvin’s.”

But this magical place might not be there for much longer. On Nov. 16, 2023, the Farmington Hills Planning Commission voted to approve a development plan that would permit demolition of the strip mall that Marvin’s inhabits to allow for the construction of a new Meijer building. The owner of the strip mall, RPT Realty, was represented by David Ortner at the planning meeting. Ortner indicated that there will be minimal interference at Marvin’s.

Public comments at the meeting indicated that there would be increased traffic, increased noise pollution and that the car-centric plan would decrease foot traffic in the area. Some called for studies to be conducted on the noise and traffic caused by the new plan. Another commenter drew attention to the change.org petition to save Marvin’s that drew 27,000 signatures in only 48 hours. In response, Chairman Dale Countegan stated that, “There was obviously wide community support for this business, and the commission appreciated the passion people brought to the meeting tonight. However, the Commission needed to base its decisions on the City’s Master Plan, and had to follow due process as outlined in Zoning Ordinance.” Mr. Ortner clarified that the new development plan would not displace Marvin’s, but would rather redevelop the building it inhabited.

Despite this, public sentiment against the action is still very strong. Senior Bella Satterfield has been going since their 16th birthday and still cherishes Marvin’s. In an interview, they stated, “There are so many Meijers, but there is only one Marvin’s. It’s really stereotypical for people to just mess around at Walmart on the weekends, y’know? I feel like this gives Michiganders an outlet to go out and make memories.” 

The sentiment that Marvin’s is a personal outlet is shared among many Marvin’s patrons. Many feel that it provides an escape. An anonymous patron stated, “It’s our first time here. It’s a shame it might have to move. I personally love the machines here, especially this old pinball cabinet.”

Even if Marvin’s finds a new location, many consider it a Herculean task. The patron commented, “You look around and there’s just so much stuff. I can’t imagine how you would go about [moving] it.” A quick walk around Marvin’s shows that there are many antique objects. Some are already partially broken, such as an early twentieth century diorama machine with a loose handle. 

In addition to the public displays, Marvin’s is also in custody of many machines hidden from public view, such as an original William’s AZTEC pinball machine. One change.org commenter considered that it might “take months to move and maintain the machines.” 

Many share the sentiment that Marvin’s is a wonderful place. Marvin’s own slogan is “The Nicest Place Anywhere” and many are inclined to believe it. While the development plan might seem far beyond the horizon to some, it is still a threat to a place many treasure.