Annex Theater

Detroit, MI

8990 Grand River Avenue

, Detroit, MI 48204 United States

(map)

Status:	Closed/Demolished
Screens:	Single Screen
Style:	Atmospheric

Function:	Unknown
Seats:	1824
Chain:	Unknown

Architect:	John Eberson
Firm:	Unknown

The Annex, or Riviera Annex, as it was called when it first opened in 1927, was designed by John Eberson to accomodate overflow crowds at his Grand Riviera (later called just the Riviera) up Grand River Avenue.

It could seat 1824, and was designed in an atmospheric style, matching the original Riviera's. It also contained an organ and a small stage, which most likely was never used.

In an unusual layout, this one-floor theater contained something called a "mezzanine lounge". Some believe that the original design for the Annex called for a full balcony, but it was never added.

In another quirky move, Eberson had the projection booth placed under the main stairway leading up to the mezzanine level.

The Annex closed its doors in 1949 due to declining attendance, and was demolished around 1960.

The site is today occupied by a school of cosmetology.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

YOUR COMMENTS

Depressing: http://www.waterwinterwonderland.com/location.asp?ID=480&type=5

posted by SNWEB.ORG on Apr 11, 2004 at 1:12pm

This link will take you to a photo of the Riviera and the Annex.

posted by SNWEB.ORG on Nov 8, 2004 at 5:30pm

The opening date of the Annex Theatre was 4th February 1927.

posted by KenRoe on Dec 18, 2004 at 2:31pm

So much detail was put in the rear of the auditorium. What a tragedy.

posted by Divinity on Dec 19, 2004 at 2:43pm

Actually, the Annex Theater in Detroit had to have been demolished in the mid 50's. I was born in l945 and went to the Riveria Theater almost every Saturday, standing in the long line with my cousins and paying the quarter to get in. The Riveria had two concession stands (one in the balcony).

We moved from Detroit to Dearborn Heights in l958. But I can remember being a kid about 10 or 11 and standing near the about half of the Annex as the wrecking ball hung by. I was amased at the balcony boxes all around the remaining Grand River side. It reminded me later of Ford Theater where Lincoln was shoot. My only regret was that I never went inside the Annex when it was in operation.

One more tidbit before I shut up. South on Grand River on the other west side was a little second rate theater called "the Victory". They showed movies for NINE CENTS (That's right). I remember seeing the original War of the Worlds there. It was near the old Stark Hickory Ford Dealership.
Russ Rheaume (info@specialinquiry.com)

posted by Russ Rheaume on Aug 30, 2007 at 9:18pm

A Robert-Morton theater organ was installed in the Annex Theater in 1927.

posted by Lost Memory on Jan 16, 2008 at 5:21pm

Note: Please read our comment policy before posting. Comments which are off-topic, obscene, spam, or personal attacks will be removed. Help us keep the discussion productive!

Search

Theater Guide

Add Your Cinema Treasure!

Newest Theaters

Recent Comments

Updated Theaters

Annex Theater

YOUR COMMENTS

Notify me when someone replies to my comment?