YES, There is DECO in your Neighborhood
By Dan Drotar Preservation
Sub Committee
Over the last couple of years the deco preservation sub-committee has been conducting a survey of the deco buildings in the Detroit metropolitan area. Here is a brief compilation of the buildings we surveyed in each community in alphabetical order. Current residents were omitted from the list for the sake of privacy.
Allen Park
The Allen Park Theater on Allen Road has unfortunately been altered due to an addition of a new marquee. The original deco spires are still intact along with the vitrolite tower.
Ann Arbor
The State Theater on State and Liberty has had a major renovation to the lower lobby with its conversion into a retail establishment. The marquee and facade were left intact.
Berkley
The Berkley Theater has also fell victim to a conversion, a retail pharmacy. The marquee and facade were left intact as well.
Bloomfield Hills
The Cranbrook Academy is a model of a structure well maintained and structurally sound.
Dearborn
The old Alter Bar sits behind City Hall and still retains its vitrolite exterior.
The Schaefer Building at Michigan and Schaefer is currently going through a transformation on the ground level which hopefully will not alter the beauty of this building.
The Carmen Theater at Ford and Schaefer has unfortunately been converted into a auto parts store, but its tower (which seems to be inspired by the old Ford Rotunda) and deco lettering is still intact.
The Ford Wyoming Drive-In is still standing and in good condition. It is one of the last standing drive-ins in the metro area.
Keego Harbor
The Keego Twin Theater at Orchard Lake and Cass Lake Roads is well maintained and still in operation.
Melvindale
A classic deco gas station located on Dix is currently on our endangered list.
Monroe
St. Mary's Academy on Elm incorporates a lot of deco into the initial construction. This facility is very well maintained and remains the motherhouse of the Sisters of the Immaculate Hearts of Mary Religious Order.
The Monroe Theater on Monroe is currently the River Raisin Center of Performing Arts. Its marquee has been replaced, however the vitrolite facade remains.
Mt. Clemens
The former Firestone facility is in bad shape and is currently on our endangered list.
Northville
A former streamlined gas station on Main has been radically transformed into a garden shop. The vitrolite exterior and contour still remain.
Plymouth
The Penn Theater on Penniman off Main is a classical deco theater. Its well maintained and still shows movies.
Pontiac
The Pontiac State Bank intact and is currently for sale. Modernage on Saginaw is currently going through restoration by the dedicated deco aficionados running this Art Deco collectible establishment.
Riverview
The Wur Transmission facility at Sibley and Grange has never been altered and is beautifully maintained.
Rochester
The National Twist Drill Company on Rochester Road is in good shape.
Knapps Dairy Bar is a great location for a snack, located downtown. Still retains its original vitrolite exterior
Roseville
Roseville boasts of the Roseville Theater located on Utica off of Gratiot with its green vitrolite exterior. Up the road on Gratiot is a great streamlined vitrolite Mobil station.
Royal Oak
The Shrine of the Little Flower is another gem in our city.
The Main Art Theater on Main and 11 Mile has recently been restored and is a great place to see art films.
Royal Oak Township
The WWJ transmission facility on 8 Mile should follow the example of the WWJ building in Riverview. It really looks run down and in need of maintenance.
