Council halts Bing's plan to raze Detroit's Ford Auditorium

[DetroitDad]

Just what exactly are you proposing here!?

Adaptive reuse is the best answer for Ford Auditorium--not spending millions on tearing it down. Draw on the deep well of creativity in Southeastern Michigan and develop a plan for a 21st century use for the building--instead of simply bulldozing an amazing example of midcentury modernist architecture, built of marble and granite. Demo'ing old buildings is the surest way to obvlivion as a city. Grappling with the hard questions, and finding innovative solutions for the future, preserving what is great from our past, is really what we should be looking at.

Huzzah to the Council for its forward-thinking today.

[[This futuristic rendering of the Ford Auditorium is from this past discussion about reusing the theater for a contemporary arts museum).

[Gistok]

I'm not a big fan of modern architecture... but I look back at 50 years ago when people's perception was different than it seems to be today. Back then it was tear down all that old stuff and build new stuff. Today it's tear down all that "older new stuff" and save the "even older old stuff".

When they razed the Old City Hall, the Hammond Building, the Majestic Building, and dozens of other beautiful old buildings to make way for the City-County Building, the "Gas Building", the [[former) NBD HQ, the Ponchartrain Hotel, 1001 Woodward, etc... no one batted an eye. When they ripped out the impossibly wonderful Mayanesque Fisher Theatre to build a 2/3 scale modern Fisher... did anyone care? It didn't seem so. No one even raised a fuss when the Michigan Theatre was gutted in 1977.

And now we've come full circle... now it's raze the former Kmart HQ on Big Beaver, raze the Silverdome, raze Ford Auditorium...

I've mentioned this before... but former Preservation Wayne Executive Director Katherine Clarkson once said... sooner or later we're going to have to save a mid 20th century strip mall or cineplex... just so we have some good examples of architecture of that era.

There was a big bruhaha over rebuilding the "Marcel Breuer" designed Grosse Pointe Library branch "on the Hill" in Grosse Pointe Farms. To me it was just another non-descript brick building with too few windows.

So we need to step back and rethink what today's taste in architecture will be like in 50 years. Who knew back in 1961 that the New Fisher Theatre 50 years later would look "more dated" than would the Old Fisher Theatre, had it survived?

Just some things to think about, so that we don't repeat the mistakes of 50 years ago. Who knows... maybe in 2055 future generations will say... yeah Detroit had one of the finest examples [[regardless of the acoustics, which were bad) of civic architecture of 100 years ago... but because it hadn't been used in 20 years they just razed it for no specific reason... except as a grassy knoll....

[econ expat]

When Comerica suggested Ford Auditorium site for new HQ tower, t
the plan was shot down. .
Reason- the Ford family/Ford
Foundation built/donated the Auditorium,
apparently the property reverts to Ford's
possession if the land is used for
any other purpose. Si
milar to what happened
to the VA Hospital in Allen Park.

[DetroitDad]

Ford Auditorium as a Majestic Asset

Gistok really said it well, in his last post, above. Here is an article and rendering from a site linked to Ford Auditorium's Flicker fan group, which really adds to Gistok's post:

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/southofbloor/5449609222/

Ford Auditorium Drawing

Concept drawing for the Ford Auditorium in Hart Plaza, Detroit. From ubdigit.buffalo.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/LIB-MU...

This set is a composite of documents I'm tracking down with respect to the Ford Auditorium in Hart Plaza, Detroit. None of these are my photos. The City has announced that it would like to demolish this ca 1955 modernist gem with its smoothly curving blue black granite screen in May 2011. I have also set up a group here www.flickr.com/groups/fordauditorium/ .

The building looks battered, but the meat of its shell is terrific. C. Howard Crane produced some of Detroit’s greatest buildings and theatres, including Orchestra Hall, what is now the Detroit Opera House, portions of the DIA, the State Theatre [[now the Filmore), the beautiful but battered United Artists Theatre, and perhaps best of all, the Fox Theatre. His architecture firm continued as Crane, Kiehler and Kellogg who were involved in shaping this project with O’Dell, Hewlett and Luckenbach.

And typical of Detroit, the architecture was innovative, experimental and lushly crafted with expensive materials detailed with great care and expense. The Ford incorporates fine materials that would be financially impossible to duplicate today. The severely simple modernist form was softened with a curve that predicts the Danish modernist interest that would sweep America. Its smooth surfaces are ornamented by a blue-black granite screen imported from Sweden – the basket-woven stonework is a unique and subtly beautiful form. Interiors were ornamented with sculpture of nickel, aluminum, stainless steel and gilded brass by one of Detroit’s great artists, Marshall Fredericks, whose “Spirit of Detroit” sculpture is one of the city’s landmarks. And the cost of the building, roughly $4,500,000 incorporated a gift of $1,500,000 to the city by the Ford Family Fund, $1,000,000 from the National Association of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Dealers and $2,400,000 financed by the City of Detroit – this total was an enormous amount of money in 1955.

The Ford was the embodiment of Eliel and Eero Saarinen's plan for the eastern end of Hart Plaza, mapped out in the late 1940's. This building in tandem with the Noguchi fountain and sculpture in that area of Hart Plaza anchors the plaza with an almost Danish modernist form. Brazilia is recognized for its cultural landscape of this type and Toronto's City Hall is similarly beloved for its strange fluidity.

Arguments for its demolition include references to the poor acoustics, the lack of a use, it being an eyesore within the context of the City's most vibrant square, Hart Plaza, the cost to maintain the unused structure, and the desire for an amphitheatre in that location. All of these arguments are valid, particularly within a city that has few extra resources to throw at yet another abandoned building.

But in considering a building of this caliber, it would be useful to think through other options for the site. The quality of built acoustics doesn’t really matter in auditoriums anymore. In Toronto, one of the spaces most renowned as being acoustically perfect is the Eaton Auditorium at the Carlu. Even this space was acoustically deadened with soft sound absorbent materials in the last renovation in order to accommodate current standards of digitally controlled sound. All buildings can now be made into well functioning acoustical instruments through buffering materials and sound systems that control the delivery, and the Ford Auditorium is no exception.

And a building is a flexible tool that could be altered to be repurposed - the alteration and reuse of this building would mean that whatever architectural value exists would still be part of the resources that Detroit has in its favour. The building does not have a use, but perhaps the building needs to radically change to accommodate a new use. As a large marble and granite box, it could be altered to repurpose the building, incorporating some or many of the character defining features into a new use. This could be as radical a change as demolishing a portion of the existing structure and incorporating the screen into a new structure, opening the roof and perhaps one side to the sky and plaza while weatherproofing the interior surfaces, or carving up the interior and opening the sides to allow for a completely different programme to occur. Completely demolishing the Ford would erase any potential it might have to add its finely crafted elements to the beauty of the city.

Culturally the building has great value to the people of Detroit. Malcolm X gave his last speech outside of New York here on the day his home in Queens had been firebombed, only a week before he was gunned down at the Audubon Ballroom in New York. This building was a gift from the family that became so wealthy because of the people of Detroit, in recognition of their hard labour in building this great city. This was the platform for a number of Martin Luther King Jr speeches, who first delivered his "I have a dream" speech next door – the later one that everyone remembers was just a repackaged version of the passionate delivery in Detroit. And however flawed the acoustics, the site hosted great concerts attended by everyone, even we your Canadian cousins across the way.

Detroit is at a tipping point right now. Despite the economic turmoil that the city has suffered through over the last few years, and the vast scale of demolitions that occurred in the past the city still retains enough of what made it architecturally great, an architectural powerhouse that led the nation in innovation and design. There are enough of these great but abandoned elements remaining in the city that could form the starting points in laying out schemes like improvements to the waterfront that would take Detroit to the next level, to show America how to rebuild from ashes incorporating the best of what already exists into a new better city.

But these architecturally great elements, with their fine materials, their exquisite craftsmanship and their histories, are a finite resource. With every Cooley High, every University Club, every Ford Auditorium that is scheduled to be demolished and replaced by a value engineered lower budget landscape, this potential is eroded. The city is moving in the right direction in trying to make its citizens safer and able to feel proud of their space. But in a time of fiscal constraint, perhaps some further consideration could be given to how to retain and incorporate the great elements that already exist, since there will be little money available to achieve those refined results in the present economic climate. This and the other great buildings of Detroit are a large part of what makes the city unique and memorable, and should be viewed as tools to assist in the reinvention process as part of what could make the place truly exceptional.

By O’Dell, Hewlett and Luckenbach, with Crane, Kiehler and Kellogg
1955

[Gistok]

Econ Pat... I have to respectfully disagree with you on the land ownership part... I believe that the city Eminent Domained that entire warehouse district along the riverfront, moved Mariner's Church about a thousand feet or so... built the underground parking structure, and the Ford family and Auto Dealers paid to have the auditorium built. I don't believe that they actually owned the land.

From what I recall... William Clay Ford Sr., now patriarch of the family... didn't like the idea of destroying it... and the city kind of relented. Also, a lot of folks were against the additional blockage of riverfront land... especially after the RenCen took up so much. Caesar Pelli's 30 story tower was therefore never constructed [[mercifully).

[Goose]

have never seen the inside, does anyone have any links to pics, past or present..... maybe some good urban exploration pics/ruin porn......

[beachboy]

Does anyone [[Gistok, Packman...?) know the status of the Aeolian-Skinner organ [[Op, 1324) in Ford Auditorium? Has anyone seen or toured that instrument lately?

[Rocko]

From wwj.com:

DETROIT [[WWJ) – Mayor Dave Bing is facing some opposition in his plan to tear down a longstanding Detroit Riverfront landmark.
Tuesday, members of the Detroit City Council, including Kwame Kenyatta, said they want to see a solid plan for the use of the riverfront land on which Ford Auditorium sits before they approve the building’s demolition.
“I’m not necessarily supportive of just tearing it down and not having anything in place, because as member Cockrel said, we’ve got a lot of those situations. So, what’s the rush to tear it down?” Kenyatta said.
“What I heard today is that we’re going to put it out for bid and ask people to submit proposals… that sounds like they don’t have a plan,” he said.
Bing has asked Council to approve a nearly $800,000 demolition contract paid for with federal dollars.
Council members have put the vote on hold until they can get more details on what Bing and the Econimic Growth Corporation plan to do with the valuable land.
Ford Auditorium, built in 1955, has been vacant since the Detroit Symphony Orchestra left in 1989.
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/03/...verfront-land/


Where are these federal dollars coming from? What program is administering these funds? Regardless, if federal funding is being used, that permits the State Historic Preservation Office an opportunity for comment on the undertaking. And I can only imagine - given the push to help protect modern resources over the past several years - that they won't be rubber stamping a demo in this case. The Ford Auditorium is an integral part of the 1950s Civic Center plan. Yes, it doesn't have any use as it currently sits, but it compliments the Ford-UAW building and other modern motifs from that period.



Someone mentioned adaptive reuse as a good idea for this structure, and I second that voice. I would think there could certainly be some possibilities, even if the inside was gutted, for something great to happen inside that shell. As was pointed out, unlike many buildings in the city, most people don't even know it's not in use/abandoned. You'd never know it driving by on Jefferson or Atwater. If you look closely at the side from the riverfront, it does show some need of dressing up, but that would be due to 20 years of probably no maintenance. The marble paneling on the exterior is a signature skin you don't find on many newly constructed buildings.



Of course, we could turn it into the contemporary art museum, but please, let's make that river side look like an Apple IIe !

[Gistok]

Does anyone [[Gistok, Packman...?) know the status of the Aeolian-Skinner organ [[Op, 1324) in Ford Auditorium? Has anyone seen or toured that instrument lately?

I'll let 56packman answer that one.... I believe the organ is still in place. But unfortunately an unused organ does degrade over time [[some parts of it require use).

However I mentioned one time that it's too bad that the organ could not be reused in say the Detroit Opera House... or, if restoration ever progresses... the United Artists Theatre. 56packman said that the folks who fine tuned the Aeolian-Skinner in Ford Auditorium did so much work to try to make it reach the dead spaces of the auditorium... that it would require major reworking if it were ever moved to a more acoustically superior venue.

[NorthEndere]

'Bout damned time they started asking questions, regardless of their intention. Every movement has to start somewhere; it's really too bad it took this boondoggle of a demolition to rid them of their demolition lust and get them off of this "demoliton equals progress" bandwagon they've been on for years, but I'll take thoughtful and real debates on demolition wherever I can get them.

I agree with Cockrel: a.) show me the money [[both for the demolition and the greenspace) b.) show me that this is necessary/that you've got the planning and financing to immediately replace what's lost. You want to keep knocking shit down? Keep on keepin' on what you're doing in tearing down those skeletons of burnt-out houses in the neighborhoods and be a bit more imaginative and creative in finding solutions for rare and unique vacant downtown structures.

The council has given us quite a few "WTF?" moments; this isn't one of them, for me. Unless they find some kind of grant or federal dollars for this, not a dime of city money should be spent on such a dubious/questionable demolition.

[Wesley Mouch]

Not likely the council was being 'forward thinking'. Appears just to be a chance to say 'no'.

That said, I don't know why the disdain for this building. We may not need an auditorium, but it is a very attractive building. Well built. Great location. And it was a 'contribution' by a leading area family. True that we don't need another auditorium. [[Orchestra Hall, Masonic x 3, Majestic, National, Opera House, Fox, State, City, UA, etc.)

So let is sit. Tend to it gently. And when the right reuse comes up, you can reuse. You can always demolish tomorrow.

[Baselinepunk]

Mid Century Modern is the big thing today. That style has just started to reach the "50 year mark" for historic preservation consideration. Since Federal monies are being used there should be a Section 106 report. From what I've heard, SHPO will probably not sign off on the situation as it is a historically signification structure. If SHPO does not endorse it Federal monies cannot be used for demo. However, this is the way it should go. The City is notorious for not following the proper processes and just tearing stuff down.

[southen]

im a huge preservationist and i really like a lot of mid century modern buildings. im actually collecting a lot of mid century modern furniture at the moment, so im a fan. with that said i dont know how sad i would be if the auditorium was torn down. the city has some fantastic examples of architecture from this period, i dont know if i would toss in the auditorium with some of the others. thats just my opinion though, im a huge fan of opening up the riverfront.

[Baselinepunk]

Mid Century Modern furniture is worth a mint right now. This situation is not going to be easy. This is what happens with poor urban planning and this situation will not be the last one. For most people, new is a sign of progress; moving forward. There is a great deal of folks who want to move forward in this area. Can't blame them. We must be careful not to repeat the past errors of Urban renewal. We lost a lot of great structures last time. Personally, I like the place but understand the vibe that something more should be done with the waterfront. An amphitheater? I dunno about that. Isn't Chene Park still around?

[detroiturbex]

Does anyone [[Gistok, Packman...?) know the status of the Aeolian-Skinner organ [[Op, 1324) in Ford Auditorium? Has anyone seen or toured that instrument lately?

From January. All things considered, its in pretty decent shape. No sign of the pipes though.

[Brian1979]

I can't believe that this building is still standing. That is one ugly looking building on the riverfront, Just about everything along the river between the Ren Cen and the apartment towers next to the Joe are ugly looking and that includes Cobo Hall. Now why would it take so much to demolish this building, they knocked Tiger Stadium and the Lafayette Building down with next to no problems so what is the deal with knocking down an eyesore that hasn't been used in years?

[Brian1979]

I gotta agree... and also... is the building really such an eyesore from Jefferson or Hart Plaza? Or do you have to get close up to see that it is unused?

Do regular people who drive down Jefferson say.... "look honey... look at that rotting ruin?"

I doubt that the city will have money anytime soon to turn that parcel into a large amphitheatre as originally planned.

And it sits on top of a parking garage... I doubt dumping sod and trees on top of a parking structure is a smart move...

The building is pretty much an eyesore from any distance looking at it. It's just a plain building with no frills at all, it isn't real obvious that it isn't being used but anyone that knows anything about the downtown area will know that it's not being used. It's not that the building is in ruins or anything it's still a pretty well intact building, but rather that it's just plain ugly even if it was being fully used it would still be an ugly building. Hart Plaza itself is suppose to be an amphitheatre and knocking down Ford Auditorium would improve the riverfront in my opinion.

[JBMcB]

I gotta agree... and also... is the building really such an eyesore from Jefferson or Hart Plaza? Or do you have to get close up to see that it is unused?

My problem isn't with the building itself - it's a rather nice modernist building - but it's in a terrible location. You don't put walled-off, windowless buildings on the waterfront.

I doubt that the city will have money anytime soon to turn that parcel into a large amphitheatre as originally planned.

Then sod over it. Build something when there is money for it.

And it sits on top of a parking garage... I doubt dumping sod and trees on top of a parking structure is a smart move...

Chicago put a huge park on top of an enormous train station and parking garage. It's not a problem.

[Richard]

So it becomes quite simple then ,sense it is using Federal dollars stand up in front of the rest of the starving nation thats already in debt and see how well it goes over.Seems as though there are bigger fish to fry at the moment then creating a lawn.

The demos were earmarked using the stimulus funds,I can find the residential listings but cannot seem to locate where the commercial property listings are if somebody would be so kind to point out where that list would be located it would be appreciated.

[Gistok]

Just about everything along the river between the Ren Cen and the apartment towers next to the Joe are ugly looking and that includes Cobo Hall.

All you've done is stated is that you hate all modern architecture along the riverfront... but provided no valid reasoning for tearing it down beyond that...

Perhaps the City County, Gas Building and Ponchartrain Hotel should follow....

[canuck]

Maybe some things are better left untouched...

[Whitehouse]

Damn! And now they are bothered with a concience?? Was anyone awake when the demolition order for the Lafayette Building passed this commission? i applaud this discission.... weren't it for the wrong building.

[beachboy]

I'll let 56packman answer that one.... I believe the organ is still in place. But unfortunately an unused organ does degrade over time [[some parts of it require use).

However I mentioned one time that it's too bad that the organ could not be reused in say the Detroit Opera House... or, if restoration ever progresses... the United Artists Theatre. 56packman said that the folks who fine tuned the Aeolian-Skinner in Ford Auditorium did so much work to try to make it reach the dead spaces of the auditorium... that it would require major reworking if it were ever moved to a more acoustically superior venue.

Thank you, Gistok, and likewise to detroiturbex for the console pic. So sad to see a once-beautiful instrument in that condition.

[DetroitDad]

The "great views" that are being blocked by Ford Auditorium:







Views from Jefferson Avenue, Auditorium Drive, and Hart Plaza, respectively. It really seems like Ford Auditorium is actually hiding some eyesores from Hart Plaza, while the view of the river from Jefferson is blocked by another structure.

It could be that this is a risky project because the odds that this will attract development may not be significant enough to justify it's demolition. Detroit has a gambling problem when it comes to demolitions and super projects, she bets more than she can afford to lose.

[Proslack]

I gotta agree... and also... is the building really such an eyesore from Jefferson or Hart Plaza? Or do you have to get close up to see that it is unused?

Do regular people who drive down Jefferson say.... "look honey... look at that rotting ruin?"

I doubt that the city will have money anytime soon to turn that parcel into a large amphitheatre as originally planned.

And it sits on top of a parking garage... I doubt dumping sod and trees on top of a parking structure is a smart move...

it costs money to mothball a building, whether it's an eyesore or not. Im sure that if the headline read that Bing wanted to not knock it down and continue to pour money into keeping it standing, everyone would be saying it's a continuous waste of money