Orchestra Hall
3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan
Photos
Historic American Buildings Survey Allen Stross, Photographer, October 1970 GENERAL VIEW, LOOKING WEST
Photo taken for the Historic American Buildings Survey
Map
Description
Orchestra Hall resembles the typical theatre of its day, with a restrained and elegant adaptation of Renaissance style that preceded the exuberant eclecticism of the next decade. It was designed with emphasis on concert requirements, but was fully equipped also for use as a motion-picture theatre. Its appearance and superb acoustics reflect the ability of C. Howard Crane, a Detroit architect who became one of the most notable national and international architects of the "Movie Palace." Crane's Orchestra Hall, Detroit's first true concert hall, was considered to be one of the finest in the country. Built originally to obtain the services of Ossip Gabrilowitsch as permanent conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, during his tenure the hall was the scene of performances by many renowned artists. Later, as the Paradise Theatre, it offered outstanding concert jazz. It was the beneficiary of a successful community-wide historic preservation effort that began in 1970. -- Historic American Buildings SurveyA Michigan Historical Marker here reads: Orchestra Hall
This concert hall was built in 1919 as the home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. It was constructed to satisfy the demand of its music director, the internationally esteemed Ossip Gabrilowitsch, that a suitable hall be built. Architect Charles Howard Crane designed this brick and limestone structure which was completed in five months. The symphony moved to a larger facility in 1939. Two years later this hall became the Paradise Theatre featuring jazz and vaudeville until 1951. Scheduled for demolition in 1970 the building was acquired by Save Orchestra Hall, Incorporated. These concerned citizens restored the badly deteriorated Orchestra Hall, which now continues its tradition of acoustical excellence and quality music in Detroit.
National Register information
- Status
- Posted to the National Register of Historic Places on April 16, 1971
- Reference number
- 71000429
- Architectural styles
- Victorian: Renaissance; Other architectural type; Italian Renaisance
- Area of significance
- Performing Arts
- Level of significance
- Local
- Evaluation criteria
- A - Event
- Property type
- Building
- Historic function
- Music facility
- Period of significance
- 1900-1924
- Significant year
- 1919
Update Log
- November 12, 2012: New photo from Rattrak
- June 21, 2012: New Street View added by wdzinc
- June 2, 2012: Imported photos from HABS/HAER
Sources
- HABS MI-271 - Orchestra Hall
- Andrew Wood
- Rattrak
- National Register database - Reference number 71000429
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