Gem Theatre
333 Madison Avenue,
Detroit,
MI
48226
333 Madison Avenue,
Detroit,
MI
48226
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I recently learned of this theatre and its monumental relocation! Congrats to those who saved it by moving it.
Photo of the Gem when it was known as the Cinema.
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November 2009 photo fo the Gem Theatre courtesy onasill,
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What a charming theatre! The restoration and move was well worth it. Kudos to all those who saved the Gem.
An exterior shot from the “bad old days”: View link
All the more amazing when you see the “before” pictures. If this doesn’t sell you on the notion of recycling historic buildings, I don’t know what will.
The Gem interior was in really bad shape before they restored it, correct?
Recent interior photos can be seen here and here.
Two more photos can be seen here.
Here is the sign at night:
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This website has some photos of the Gem Theater.
Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1985
Century Building and Little Theatre (added 1985 – Building – #85000993)
Also known as Century Club
333 Madison, Detroit
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Mason,George D.
Architectural Style: Renaissance
Area of Significance: Architecture, Social History
Period of Significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture, Social
Historic Sub-function: Meeting Hall, Theater
Current Function: Unknown
Here are some recent photos of the Gem Theater. Click each photo to expand it.
The Gem was the heavist building moved at the time. The Shubert later supased that record.
The Gem looks so much better over on Madison since the move. It looks like it’s always been there. Chuck did the city a huge favor in saving the State, and Gem, and kept the Fox intact during his ownership.
Jimmy Kimmel has been utilizing the Gem as his taping locations while he is in for Super Bowl. He will be taping for a week.
i seen it yesterday, I liked the Detroit flavor of the opening and scenes. The musical guests performed on the Century Grille stage. They covered up the nice little arch with wood paneling.
The Shubert Theater in Minneapolis was actually the heaviest building moved. The Gem Theater is in the record books for the longest distance moved.
Guinness records:
Gem Theater
Shubert Theater
God Bless Chuck Forbes. I have seen three shows in this theater. It is a treasure.
For a full story on the Gem relocation, see http://detroityes.com/rebound/dtgem.htm