Wayne State to break ground on Gateway Performance Complex

A busy part of Midtown will see more construction soon. Wayne State University officially breaks ground on the Gateway Performance Complex Thursday evening.

The $65 million development will bring a new performing arts complex to Cass Avenue, along with the renovation of the adjacent Hilberry Theatre.

Courtesy of Wayne State University

According to a release, the new complex on Cass Avenue will include:

• Three new, state-of-the-art theatres including: the Gretchen Valade Jazz Center, a proscenium and studio theatre
• New educational production space for students to hone their skills in performance, design and management
• A modern café that where guests mingle before performances, during intermissions, and after events
• A patron lounge where invited guests can relax and socialize before the show

Photo by Michelle & Chris Gerard

This new addition to the university will mean a historic home will be on the move. The David Mackenzie House—most recently home to Preservation Detroit and Urban Consulate—will be moved around the block to make room for the new venue. FYI, Preservation Detroit has moved into the Bethel Community Transformation Center while Urban Consulate is holding talks in the Scarab Club. We’ve reached out to Wayne State reps to get a timeframe on when the house will be moved, and we’ll update when we know.

Wayne State recently opened the Mike Ilitch School of Business next to the Little Caesars Arena, and the first phase of new student apartments opened for the new school year.