Events
2003
Last!!!
Tour of the Brodhead Armory
May 7th, 2003 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
On Wednesday, May 7th, the Brodhead Armory Preservation Society will be offering what may be the final tours of the historic Brodhead Naval Armory.
The Brodhead Armory lies just east of the Belle Isle bridge and is one of the most overlooked art deco treasures in the city. The US Navy commissioned the structure as a reserve naval base in 1929. Originally called the Detroit Naval Armory, it was designed by the firm Stratton and Hyde, and opened in 1930.
The Brodhead Naval Armory contains the most extensive examples of WPA (Works Progress Administration) artwork of any building in Michigan. Murals and wood carvings that adorn the interior of the Armory are significant to Michigan's art history. One of the frescos has been damaged by water and requires extensive repair. The current estimate to repair the artwork is $20,000.
Over the years the Brodhead Naval Armory has been used for a variety of civic functions - from auto shows to boxing matches to marathon dance contests. During WWII the Armory was used as a site of USO dances for service personnel.
Because the U. S. Marines will be leaving the Brodhead Armory in fall 2003, the building will revert to the City of Detroit. It is not known what the future holds for the Brodhead Armory, so we invite you for what may be a "last look."
Admission to the tour is free, but donations can be made. Tours of the Brodhead Armory will be offered every half hour. The tour is approximately 40 minutes long. We apologize that the tour is not handicap accessible. Several sets of stairs must be negotiated to reach the artwork.
Click here to read more about the Brodhead...