Detroit's Historic Theater is now a Parking Garage

Second Channel - / mobileinstinct2
Amazing history attached to this place. Detroit's Michigan Theater opened in 1926 and I'm sure it was an amazing site in it's heyday.
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#detroit #michigan #mobileinstinct

[@socialghost4400]

I am not even from Detroit or America for that matter, but seeing this once gorgeous building in such a sorry state made me really sad 😔

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

I totally agree

[@PlazmaSilvaraGMS]

That's Detroit for you

[@BradGryphonn]

So they really did pave paradise and put up a parking lot.

[@michiganmagneto]

LOL. I'm going to hit you in the eye with a brick for putting that song in my head.

[@BradGryphonn]

@@michiganmagneto Bwahahaha! My job here is done.

[@michiganmagneto]

@@BradGryphonn I hate you. I feel the need to retaliate.... ABBA ABBA ABBA Take a chance on me Dancing Queen Knowing Me Knowing You. So there! 😀

[@BradGryphonn]

@@michiganmagneto Ouch!

[@michiganmagneto]

@@BradGryphonn Too much?

[@drumboarder1]

Recently came across your channel, one of the least click bait channels with solid info and back story

[@Darxide23]

"Preserved" isn't exactly how I would describe that ceiling.

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Right!!

[@jimiplayscobo5877]

I think he meant rather than being a pile of rubble :) Peace

[@dancingwithczars]

It was called the Michigan Palace in its last incarnation before becoming a parking garage. Back in the early 1970s I saw lots of great rock 'n' roll there. Rush, Rory Gallagher, Quick Silver Messenger Service, Mahogany Rush, David Bowie, and more. Good times. Great memories.

[@heikkidtw5992]

RUSH👍🇨🇦

[@brody8838]

RUSH the three God's of Rock!!!!! So sad they retired 😥

[@RadialSkid]

Mahogany Rush....now there's a name I haven't heard in a while. I might need to crank up "Land of 1,000 Nights" in honor of this garage.

[@heikkidtw5992]

@@RadialSkid Frank Marino

[@lachlanashley2601]

I think KIss were the support act for Rush that night

[@KenWAnderson]

I find this really sad and indicative of the downward spiral of key elements of our society.

[@richdiscoveries]

That is really beautiful, thank you for taking us along. A shame they made it into a garage, but it's better than demolishing it

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

I agree with not demolishing it. But a parking garage?!

[@roystonmason9125]

just barely

[@nikkireeexplores407]

Yes I agree Rich this is a nice building!

[@cjw2661]

From what you can see , they made mo attemp to actually salvage anything.

[@oppie47]

I don’t know if I agree. With as much as they destroyed, it would have almost been less tragic to continue ripping out the rest of it. Now we’re stuck with this painful reminder of what was lost instead of being able to forget about it - not that we’d want to. I’m not sure which would be the better option.

[@Michiganderman71]

I believe also where that building stands before it was there. Henry Ford's garage stood on that very spot and the first ever ford was built there

[@jimiplayscobo5877]

The Michigan Palace I seen Aerosmith's first tour there when they backed up Roy Buchanan. What a place it was. Walking in I was amazed how beautiful it was. :) Peace

[@sharonallen6921]

Very cool. Wonder if the owners make the new tenants sign waivers concerning falling debris hitting their cars? It is lovely and I'm truly glad some of it's beauty has been preserved but I would not park my car there.

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Totally agree

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

That is a concern but it's really not fair to judge structural integrity on a video, really needs to be done in person.

[@adammilam3214]

I've parked here for years for Lions games. Everything has been fine.

[@troysweets7638]

@@adammilam3214 is there a fee? Would love to look at it in person.

[@tamarawalker8973]

That has to be one of the coolest places I've ever seen. I really like that they saved it from complete demolition. Now it has a use again & people can still see parts of its stunning beauty. Amazing explore. Thanks so much.

[@bbeepers]

It's absolutely sickening what they did there. Excellent video covering the history of the theater...at least they saved the Fox

[@CoasterMan13Official]

I know! It's magnificent! One of Atlanta's greatest landmarks.

[@jerrywilliamson5615]

I'm from here and I'm just happy to see the city turning around and people like Dan Gilbert repurposing the buildings instead of letting them fall down and get taking over by bums good video keep up the good work

[@d-mack7053]

I am from the Detroit area and have been into that whole building office/tenant wise and theater/parking garage completely many times. I wish I would have known he was coming in. I could have shown him more for this video/channel!!!!!! The elevator car is still there,it is down in the basement with some nice old restrooms and machinery heating/cooling pumps from back in the day. And I know how to get to the projection booth. Part of the old huge projector are still there. I also know how to get under the stage and above for old dressing rooms. I wish I knew how to get ahold of this guy for this channel to do a part 2 of the Michigan Theater parking garage.

[@jimiplayscobo5877]

Hey I would love to see that. That was one cool place in its day. I've been in many theaters in Detroit but this one and the Fox were my favourites :) Peace

[@angelsone-five7912]

Now that would be interesting. Have you tried clicking on his name to see if you can make contact? Did you ever go into the organ chambers?

[@d-mack7053]

The organ chambers are gone.

[@everettmenard8250]

I can remember as a kid going into theaters like that in Norwich Connecticut. They're long gone now but that feeling when Detroit's theater brought me back to my youth. I'm only 51 but in 1970s these things were still being used. I am fortunate to live in a very historical area of New England. Love you're walkabouts

[@ricj7517]

So sad it couldn't be saved..But at least the people could admire the structure of this once magnificent building when parking their vehicle..Tks for another great video,Mobile!

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

True that!

[@cjw2661]

It probably could have been saved. But people just don't care anymore. Everyone is out to make a dollar.

[@lordrobert12]

They can ALL be saved!! It is just the lack of willpower to do so by cheap architects!!

[@dankoher4318]

How absolutely unbearable deplorable so pitiful this theatre 🎭 wasn’t in London. All we’ve done is completely destroyed our history and architecture. If this were in Europe it would still be thrivingly utilized to it’s fullest capacity. Yes it’s good this much has been left but what a historic loss and sin.

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

So true

[@GerRoland1]

I was a friend of the former building owner (he owned it after the destruction was done)... and there are so many areas of the theatre are still intact. I got to see the labyrinth on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th level (which is closed off to visitors and in perpetual darknes. I agree that Europe does a great job of restoring their architectural heritage better, but they too destroy some of their fine buildings. London's Earls Court was designed by Detroit designer C. Howard Crane in an Art Deco Moderne style, and it was sadly pounded to rubble in 2015 for a housing development project. And London's Mappin & Webb beautiful Victorian building was razed for a modern monstrosity.

[@joshuairon1443]

This made me sad. I have a real affinity for old theatres and to see how this one ended up... 😭

[@swarthyprincess1062]

I feel proud so much talent & music came thru this theater...but sad at the faded memory this magnificent theater now is.

[@joshuairon1443]

@@swarthyprincess1062 I totally agree with you!

[@tigerfan8244]

What a neat place. Yes, it’s a shame that they didn’t save the entire building, but what is left is better then tearing it down completely. It’s hauntingly beautiful. I wonder though how safe it is walking to and from your car? With all those rooms and out of the way places for people to hide. Thanks for sharing this with us Chris.

[@kathylongino963]

You find the coolest places. Thanks for sharing your explores.

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Right?!

[@papasbarn5085]

We love the way you show all the old pictures of how things looked originally. Great job, thumbs up from me!

[@AmericanExplorer]

It's really a shame that such a magnificent place dedicated to the arts is now a parking garage, but at least it's still there. It does look like it's still crumbling though, and if the owner doesn't do something sooner or later I think the city will require repairs or vacate. Great find and great presentation!

[@richardkarl9605]

Thanks for.capturing what remains of this beautiful building..so many have been totally lost in downtown Detroit What a super pkace to park!

[@neilpuckett359]

Our European ancestors were certainly talented they knew how to build!

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Too true! And sad we see little architecture like this in modern day.

[@backwoodsbre7152]

Absolutely ❤️ it.. I've been through there numerous times, and would have never known.. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@joannecarpenter8725]

Thank You so much! This was a fantastic video!!! Such beautiful ceilings!! Appreciate your sharing this adventure 😊

[@xGoodfellax70]

As a Michigander i use to go here when i was a teenager to see concerts.So many fun times i had here.Thank you for the Video it brought back so many great memories.✌

[@Piecemaker1623]

Oh wow. This garage is wonderful. Thank you for the visit.

[@The_BM]

Wonderful to see, thanks a lot for posting, buddy!

[@grandmacarla4258]

What a wonderful use for a beautiful old building. At least it wasn't torn down. God bless the owners, and the guy who filmed it for us.!

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Well said!

[@yooperlooper]

Wow! I'm from the Detroit area and I never knew about this place. I've been looking at urban exploration videos while doing some work this afternoon and this is by far the best. Good informative narration too. It's no longer glamorous but at least they found a use for it without totally destroying it's beauty. Good job

[@terrym5023]

I don't know whether to laugh or cry 🤔 Am guessing it's better that parts of this gem still surviving rather than turned to rubble.... Great job!

[@angiewanders7272]

Love the architecture!!! Its sad they turned it into a parking garage!! At least they didn't destroy the architecture!!!

[@craighuxtable746]

Great video! You always find very interesting and often unexpected beautiful places with amazing history!

[@nikkireeexplores407]

Wow very beautiful architecture and carvings in the ceiling! Hopefully it will still be around for years to come!

[@bobbyspapercraft]

Wow how beautiful even in a state of disrepair. Cool find.

[@LeslieLove]

That was really neat, you know I really loved to hear they 8 mile filmed there. Thanks for sharing

[@dragon-lf9ow]

Thank you so much I've never been to detroit but the first time seeing the parking theater have always been interested in it. Now i finally get to see the beauty with in 😊

[@rafaeltorres4728]

This is incredibly sad. Cannot imagine something more sad to happen to a building.

[@chrisblack8390]

That is a very cool place! So beautiful. If I ever go to Detroit, I want to park there!

[@terrystrahl6006]

WOW.... That was really very interesting was at one time a spectacular place to see ....

[@Hidden_Destinations]

Your videos are incredible! Keep showing us new!

[@rick49721]

I’m glad to know it isn’t just abandoned, but I wish it could’ve been restored!

[@mav48185]

The money for parking goes towards it 1

[@lindamesa4941]

really beautiful thank you for sharing!

[@lindaelliott184]

I’ve known about the old Michigan Theater for quite awhile but I’ve never seen the footage you included of the stage and upper areas you can walk to. Thanks!

[@user-dt3rj8qm3k]

Wow, that place looked like something out of a Stanley Kubrick movie set. The acoustics in the main hall must have sounded amazing when music was bouncing off those walls. Another great video. Thanks

[@dmoser1783]

This was awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikesweat9813]

Thanks for this video Chris. All your vlogs are super cool.

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Very true

[@rickfromvirginia]

Another awesome video! Its fantastic how you are able find places like this and give a cool narrative of its history! I am just glad I Stumbled onto your channel several months ago and subscribed! Always looking forward to your next find! Thanks for sharing! Rick

[@MobileInstinct]

I'm glad you found my channel!

[@dezertraider]

Thank you Chris,Yes very very cool as your videos ,Stay well Safe travels ,Thank you

[@IKCS1]

What wow! This was cool Chris for people like myself that do not know about the Detroit area this was an unexpected piece of education. Thanks for sharing and posting this always enjoy your stuff! Cheers

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Exactly!

[@admanharv8575]

Lived in metro Detroit all my life and never been there, have to go check it out, great video

[@azdirtbag1]

So cool thanks for sharing

[@mrdovie47]

AAA of Michigan used the United Artist's Building for storage. Walking around in the dark there I heard footsteps behind me, I found it was my own footsteps reflecting off a domed ceiling.

[@TSquadRVing]

Welcome to Detroit. Great vid. Keep up the good work.

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

Great video it's quite unique how it was preserved around it's current use.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Incredible ceilings & details. Absolutely stunning. At least they didn’t just rip it down.

[@MobileInstinct]

I agree

[@nyrngrs15]

Another great video!!!! Keep it up bro!!

[@NickP]

Oh my word ! You find some gems. Fantastic. Lol

[@CoasterMan13Official]

If you browse the internet enough, you'll find some truly fantastic places to go!

[@adventureswithchristian6967]

Nothing is built like this anymore. Thank you for sharing!

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Very very true

[@ebenizerb.schlestertrappdu6943]

Thanks man. I loved your video.

[@capeman10]

Very nice video, thanks

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

I’m glad I subscribed to your channel your really good , very interesting and always look forward to your next adventure, thanks. Ward K.

[@PRRrailfan]

Wow, what a marvel! It is a shame it was not able to be kept in it's original state, but it's current state is just as, if not a bit more, fascinating!

[@leveleleven4431]

Great channel...keep up the good work Go Tribe

[@mkaiser29]

Cool! Thanks dude

[@steponmemelissa9688]

Thank you for your video! I'm going to use this as a reference for a short horror story lmao.

[@kathycagg6531]

Thanks Chris!

[@fillup40]

Thank you.

[@redpiper1]

As an ex-Detroiter it's neat to see this stuff but you've been touring some really rundown dumpy parts. If you get a chance run out to the Henry Ford Museum in Greenfield Village and please make a video. Truly priceless national treasures await you :-)

[@MobileInstinct]

I'm definitley going to see both! Those video tours will probably be on my second channel soon.

[@redpiper1]

@@MobileInstinct awesome ! Also curious if you'll ever do a sort of a q&a on how you travel and how you find all these unique places. I won't lie, personally for me, I'm curious about how in the hell you can afford to do this. Extremely rare opportunity to do what you do :-)

[@technicholls]

@@MobileInstinct Definitely check out the Fisher Theater as well as the The Fox. Visit the Hotel Pontchartrain. And you'd do yourself and my fellow subscribers an injustice if you miss the Motown Museum.

[@naturalobserver6130]

Also, if you get a chance take the tours of some of the auto moguls mansions, such as Henry Fords, his sons Edsel Fords, the dodge mansion, etc..

[@michiganmagneto]

If you're still in Detroit area, check out the Grande Ballroom. And the history that goes along with it and who was there. Perhaps even swing by Motown records on Grand Boulevard.

[@jimmcgaugh2519]

i saw many a concert in the 'michigan palace' back in the early 1970's. bands like kiss, aerosmith, ted nudgent, & iggy pop played there in great acoustics.

[@opiealvin]

Good stuff Chris. You are almost at 100,000 subs. Keep at it man.

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Yes. He deserves 100k!

[@joel.rundle]

I've wondered about this garage for nearly 20 years since seeing it in 8 Mile.

[@charleskesner1302]

Thanks for telling the story.

[@01FozzyS]

Beautiful interior. Glad they repurposed it.

[@joegaskill8742]

That's incredible!!

[@Epicmango7]

The coolest looking parking lot

[@JeremyEllwood]

Wow. The fly rail and fly linesets are still there? I'm in Flint and didn't know about this. I don't get to Detroit often but next time I make it down there, I have to check this place out.

[@Cutelatinguy2]

I would be afraid of falling plaster or concrete on my car! lol But what a beautiful theater!

[@RS-tp3uu]

I’m glad our Michigan theater in Jackson is still used frequently and kept original.

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Good to read. My city (Charlotte NC) bulldozes its history. Makes me sick!

[@geoffwag3321]

I park here for Detroit Tigers games. There's a historical plaque on the front of the building that says this is the site of Henry Ford's original garage, were he built his first automobile.

[@marchmadness76]

Very cool! Thanks for the video. Check out the Fisher building. Inside is very artistic.

[@cudaus1]

I recall going to the Palace in the early 70's when it was a supper club with entertainment.

[@icegiant1000]

Dude, you are doing a really really great job. I'm jealous... if I didn't have two kids and various things to pay for that require a job, I would jump in an RV and explore. Until then, I will live vicariously through you. Once again, great job, hope you are thoroughly enjoying your adventures. PS You find very unique places, I am always trolling looking for some new spot, and you always find stuff I have not once heard of or seen even once. Top-notch!

[@ericmcquiston9473]

That is really nice and clever they did that.The only concern I would have is how do they stop that ceiling from crumbling onto the cars. Great find Chris !

[@glen58316]

That is Beautiful Grand Tartarian Architecture.

[@Jen-zk9se]

This entire place screams safety code violations

[@schumifannreins295]

Unbelievable, that this exists in the ever-sueing U.S. ;)

[@OldCarAlley]

Great videos in Detroit. Are you going to tour the Packard plant too? Lots to see and do in the greater Detroit area.

[@MEXICANMOOSE1976]

Lived in Detroit..SUPER glad that place has been repurposed..and it's ornate ceiling has been incorporated with the parking garage.. 3 outta 3 Jalapeños for STYLE!!! 🙄💞

[@mikeymike758]

Wow! Great video. I think I would wear a hard hat when going to and from my car, the ceiling looks unstable. :-)

[@skeeterfan3626]

I wouldn't even park my car in there for fear of chunks of ceiling breaking my windshield.

[@mikeymike758]

@@skeeterfan3626 Exactly! :-)

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

So true

[@mikeymike758]

@@OffbeatDiscoveries You noticed that too. Nothing like a 100 pound of plaster falling on your head or car! :-)

[@potatobrah0019]

This is heartbreaking.

[@teresawallace8263]

Very nice, but I would worry that a piece of plaster would come down on my car, or even worse, my head!!! But it is beautiful for sure! Teresa

[@OffbeatDiscoveries]

Or even a balcony

[@ccbsnyc]

Extraordinary that it survived in any condition, given the architectural history of Detroit. Compare this to the Loews Theater in Jersey City.

[@Brandewey]

have you ever seen the movie the island? i wanna say about half of it is filmed in downtown Detroit and that theater was used for one of the scenes. they run up on the stage area. and they also went to other abandoned and futuristic places in Detroit for the movie. hugs and love :D

[@1533ramsay]

What a love/hate situation...

[@hollycameron3914]

That’s awesome

[@rjdalchow]

Too bad you couldn't do the old Roosevelt building--very creepy when I went by it, but I think there may be an attempt to restore it now. Hope you checked out the fully restored and functional Fox theater on Woodward while you were there--would've given an idea of what these places were like in their heyday.

[@xerwatzyl]

The Grand Tour did some drifting in there.

[@TheBaritoneCrooner]

As to the remaining structure in the theater being intrical to the rest of the building, yes the whole building, including the theater and office block above were built as one unit together in 1926. Many movie alaces were built that way including the Fisher building and its theater and The Fabulous Fox Theater both in Detroit.

[@gabrielleivie4585]

Cranbrook is a beautiful building too