Michigan Economic Development Corp. says that what was once the Garden Theater on Woodward Ave is getting a makeover. With the help of a $1M loan, it will become the 32,000-square-foot, 1,300-seat Woodward Theater. But it seems like they've still got some funds to find! The developer estimates the restoration will take $12.3 million; another $2.2 M is coming via tax credit.
Last used as an X-rated movie house, the building on Woodward Avenue was designed by C. Howard Crane, the architect behind the ornate Orchestra Hall and the Fox Theatre, both on Woodward. The Garden Theater opened in 1912, and at the time, it was one of the largest theaters built outside the downtown core. · Detroit's Old Garden Theater lands loans for new music venue [The Detroit News]