Orchestra Hall (Paradise Theatre)

The story

Detroit's 'Apollo of the Midwest' hosted jazz legends during its Paradise Theatre era while DSO musicians moonlighted with Motown's Funk Brothers.

Everything that was here

• 1919–present · still open

  Orchestra Hall (Paradise Theatre)Theater

  Detroit's 'Apollo of the Midwest' hosted jazz legends during its Paradise Theatre era while DSO musicians moonlighted with Motown's Funk Brothers.

  See the map in 1920 →
• 1881–1983

  J.L. Hudson Department StoreDepartment Store

  Once the tallest department store in the world, its 1998 implosion was the largest building ever brought down by controlled demolition.

  See the map in 1882 →
• 1968–1972

  Donovan Building (Motown Headquarters 1968-1972)Office Building

  The ten-story Albert Kahn-designed tower served as Motown's corporate headquarters before being demolished for Super Bowl parking.

  See the map in 1969 →
• 1968–1972

  Donovan Building (Motown Records Headquarters 1968-1972)Office Building

  The ten-story office tower where Motown conducted business at its peak—demolished in two weeks for Super Bowl parking.

  See the map in 1969 →
• 1968–1972

  The Donovan Building (Motown Headquarters)Office Building

  The ten-story Art Deco tower where Motown became corporate, and where the Jackson Five first walked through the doors.

  See the map in 1969 →
• 1922–1968

  Graystone BallroomBallroom

  Berry Gordy bought Detroit's 'Million Dollar Ballroom' in 1963 to give Black audiences access any night of the week, not just 'colored Mondays.'

  See the map in 1923 →

Connected places

Explore the full web of connections on the map.

Nearby history