Rendering of expanded Detroit Music Hall at night.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - A state-of-the art concert hall, recording studios, leasable office space, and a public welcome center will make up a $122 million expansion to the Detroit Music Hall.
The major project is expected to be completed in 2026. The huge infusion of money into the expansion is in response to a "fast-growing demand for music programming" within the city. According to a release announcing the expansion, it will serve as a "crucial cultural component" to Detroit.
"The expansion will welcome the world to Detroit. Through this new development, we honor our musical legends and create opportunity for the music legends of tomorrow," said Vice Paul, President of the Detroit Music Hall. "This portal to the people not only engages our community, but will encourage tourists from all over the world to visit and celebrate their musical heroes."
The firm Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects will oversee the project, which will include seven stories and occupy much of the lot where the classic music hall is located.
At the center of the project will add to the existing music hall by beefing up the number of people it seats to 1,900. On the outside will be a perforated metal screen that will mesh with both daytime and nighttime scenes.
There will also be an enclosed aerial walkway between the historic original music hall and the newly-expanded center. In the alley below will be space for public performances and art installations.
Part of the funding is through the Detroit Economic Growth Corp, which issued $80 million in tax-exempt bonds.