3.18.07
Ilitch asks for OK to demolish most of Fine Arts Building
by Robert Ankeny
Ilitch Holdings Inc. has requested permission from the Detroit Historic District Commission to demolish most of the Fine Arts Building at 44 W. Adams while preserving the building facade.
Karen Cullen, Ilitch vice president for communications, said architects from SmithGroup and Preservation Wayne determined that the entire building was not reusable. “Preserving the facade while we can is an important first step,” Cullen said.
Built in 1905, the office building contained the lobby of the Adams Theatre, added behind it in 1917 on Elizabeth Street and connected to it by a tunnel. The Adams offered the full range of entertainment from vaudeville, silents, talkies, Cinerama and even adult movies before it was closed in 1988. Its marquee, in danger of collapsing, was removed in 1999.
Francis Grunow, Preservation Wayne executive director, said the organization “grudgingly supports the proposal ... provided redevelopment happens quickly.”
The commission is scheduled to consider the request at a March 29 meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers, Coleman A. Young Municipal Building, Detroit.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070318/SUB/703160344&SearchID=73275739022826
Ilitch Holdings Inc. has requested permission from the Detroit Historic District Commission to demolish most of the Fine Arts Building at 44 W. Adams while preserving the building facade.
Karen Cullen, Ilitch vice president for communications, said architects from SmithGroup and Preservation Wayne determined that the entire building was not reusable. “Preserving the facade while we can is an important first step,” Cullen said.
Built in 1905, the office building contained the lobby of the Adams Theatre, added behind it in 1917 on Elizabeth Street and connected to it by a tunnel. The Adams offered the full range of entertainment from vaudeville, silents, talkies, Cinerama and even adult movies before it was closed in 1988. Its marquee, in danger of collapsing, was removed in 1999.
Francis Grunow, Preservation Wayne executive director, said the organization “grudgingly supports the proposal ... provided redevelopment happens quickly.”
The commission is scheduled to consider the request at a March 29 meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers, Coleman A. Young Municipal Building, Detroit.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070318/SUB/703160344&SearchID=73275739022826
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