$65 million performance complex coming to Wayne State

Last week, the Board of Governors at Wayne State University approved a plan that’s been in the works for years, and will result in the moving of a historic home. Construction on the Hilberry Gateway Performance Complex will start this fall, with the renovation of an existing theater and the addition of a large performing arts facility.

Hilberry Theatre is 23,000 square feet and the addition will bring an extra 71,300 square feet to the Midtown location. The new complex will be located on Cass at Forest, adjacent to the Hilberry Theatre.

Wayne State University

The new addition will house the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts programs from the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, along with programming from the Department of Music. Once the new complex is built, the Hilberry Theatre will house the Gretchen Valade Jazz Center, which will have a performance venue and serve as an educational hub; the Studio Theatre will become the Jazz Underground.

Photo by Michelle & Chris Gerard

The David Mackenzie House, which is home to Preservation Detroit and the Urban Consulate, will move around the block later this year to the corner of Forest and 2nd Avenue.

Wayne State currently has two more large construction projects in the works, including the Anthony Wayne Apartments and the Mike Ilitch School of Business, both scheduled to open later this year.