Quote:
Originally Posted by subterranean
At risk of sounding like a Pure Michigan ad, Detroit's theater circuit has been hailed as second only to Broadway. I think some folks might be surprised at the variety and number of arts and culture venues/opportunities in Detroit. Despite the population decline in the city, it's still the cultural hub of a region of over 5 million people and draws from a state with over 10 million and some folks from Ontario. I have no doubt in my mind that the market could absorb another venue. However, the interior of the National Theatre is in pretty rough shape. It would take an incredible investment to bring it back. But who knows.
http://www.degc.org/arts-culture.aspx
http://historicdetroit.org/building/national-theatre/
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Thanks. I appreciate the feedback as well as the introduction to the Historic Detroit web site. Bummer that the interior of the National is in bad shape. Still, maybe it can be saved. I am very familiar with the development of downtown Pittsburgh over the past 30 years and cultural venues, primarily performing arts spaces, have played and continue to play a large part in its success. Not across the board---some of these venues have not attracted an audience, which means that they are struggling financially and offering no tangible benefit to Pittsburgh's downtown. But for the most part the strategy has paid off beautifully. I hope Mr. Gilbert realizes that once the people are downtown for work, they need things to do. It would be great to see this theatre brought back.
Off topic a bit: I am fascinated by the discussion surrounding the DIA and its relation to the city's bankruptcy. Astounding to think that the collection could possibly be sold to repay creditors. I am midway through a really interesting socio-economic history of the DIA, A Museum on the Verge, written by a Wayne State art professor named Abt. It explains how the museum got to this position. It is proving to be a great read.