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Grand Riviera Theater
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Grand Riviera in 1970
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| Location: | 9222 Grand River Ave., Detroit, Michigan |
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| Built: | 1925 |
| Architect: | John Eberson |
| Architectural style: | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Other |
| Demolished: | June 1996 |
| Governing body: | Private |
| NRHP Reference#: | 82002901[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP: | April 22, 1982 |
| Designated MSHS: | October 2, 1980[2] |
The Grand Riviera Theater was a theater located at 9222 Grand River Avenue in Detroit, Michigan; it took its name from Grand River Avenue.[3] It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1980[2] and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982,[1] but was subsequently demolished in June, 1996.[3]
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The Grand Riviera was built in 1925, at a cost of over one million dollars.[3] It seated over 3000, and was the first "atmospheric" theater in Detroit, using lighting, special effects, and interior design to make the audience feel like they were sitting outdoors in a garden.[3]
The theater immediately successful, and in 1927 an 1,800 seat annex was built.[3] In 1957, the Riviera was converted to a stage theater. When the Fisher Theater reopened in 1960, however, the Grand Riviera took a back seat.[3] The building was used for music concerts until it closed in the mid-1970s. Afterward, the structure deteriorated, to the point that it was considered unsafe and demolished in 1996.[3]
The Grand Riviera Theater was a three story structure built from brown brick in an Italian Renaissance style.[2] An 80-foot-tall (24 m) octagonal pavilion sat on the corner of the structure.[2] The pavilion had arched, multi-paned windows and substantial cream terra cotta decoration.[2] To the west of the pavilion was the three-story wing with commercial and office space. To the north was the auditorium section which was built with windowless paneled brick walls.[2]
The decor of the Grand Riviera was very ornate.[2] The original "atmospheric" interior elements included a simulated courtyard, a dark blue ceiling with inset electric "stars" and projected moving clouds, and walls with artificial trees and vines.[3]
| Images from 1970 |
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