The Decrepit United Artists Theater Detroit (A Must See!)

[GRap]

thats probably from a combination of american builders, vandalism, and harsh winters

[1ajs]

real sad to see such beutifull spaces and buildings go to waste like this

[Robert Pence]

Originally Posted by Fabb

The rapidity and the extent of the decrepitude leave me skeptical. Was this theatre built to last ?

A lot of buildings of that era used a lot of copper roof components like flashing and drainage systems, and some even had copper roofs. The copper was stolen and sold for scrap, rainwater and snowmelt got in, and the buildings went to hell very quickly.

[miketoronto]

Detroit has an amazing amount of grand old theatres. While the UA is not restored, many are as you can see in the pics.

Man did they know how to build theatres before Just amazing.

These theatres are a key in the revival of downtown Detroit. They are something that just can't be made today.

[skyfan]

It certainly was built to last. But 30 years of exposure to the elements- that light you see shining through isn't from skylights- and vandals will do this America or not.

[miketoronto]

What is that modern extension to the Detroit Opera House? Why was that added? It does not seem to go with the older part of the building.

[LMich]

That modern extension is just what you said, an extension to the Opera House.

[hudkina]

I like the old facade. I wonder if it is still there or if it was removed long ago.

[LMich]

Isn't the part along GCP a whole new construction?

[illmatic774]

The building, in its historical sense, is unsalvagable. My mind cannot even imagine this coming back, a la Fox Theatre. It will have to be gutted and turned into a residential or office property completely.

I've never actually seen the inside of the UA. It's beautiful.

[Rizzo]

Dont Go In This Building !

[DecoJim]

Thanks for posting the interior shots, LMICH.
I have seen some interior shots put up by a certain UE by the initials DK but I have never seen the entire theater before. Unusual style to say the least.

One of my own pre-superbowl exterior pictures of the UA.

The marquee at the lower right was removed a year or two ago.

A shot I took of the Michigan theater parking garage:


The railings on the stairs to the balcony have been "recycled" but the carpeting remains:


While not a theater, Orchestra Hall is another historic (1919) entertainent venue:

[LMich]

BTW, in case others didn't read the original post, the United Artists Theater was a single-screen cinema, not a stage theater, though it did have small stage shows now and again.

Thanks for posting, DecoJim. I meant for this to become a more general thread on old music, stage, and cinema venus of Detroit. In fact, if other's want to post about Music Hall, the Gem, or other venues, please feel free.

[MolsonExport]

Unbelievable shame. What a place to watch porn! (even the early 1970s type).