Midtown Expansion Threatens Yet Another Historic Detroit Landmark
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) -- The expanding of I-94 in Detroit's Midtown could potentially threaten the existence of a Motown landmark.
United Sound Systems Recording Studios is one of Detroit's first independent recording studios, opening in the 1930s. The historical landmark is in danger and one local non-profit is working to save it.
The Detroit Sound Conversancy is teaming up with United Sound Systems Recording Studios for a fundraiser to support the historical marker.
Dr. Carlton Gholz, Executive Director of the Conservancy, says that he hopes that the group's efforts will protect the building from the bulldozers.
"The funds raised will go towards what we hope will be an eventual historical marker out front of the studio celebrating its way more than 70 years of recording music, television, film, etc.," Gholz said.
The fundraiser starts at 5 p.m. Friday at the studio on 2nd Avenue and Antoinette Street. A donation of $20 is suggested.
"Over the last year, we've gotten historical district status for the building," Gholz said. "So it's protected, but just because you have historic district preservation it doesn't mean that the bulldozers won't come."
Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Bob Segar, Gladys Knight & The Pips, and the MC5 are just some of the artists that have recorded at the studio throughout the years.
The historic Park Avenue Hotel, built in the 1920s and abandoned since 2003, was imploded in July to make room for the new Detroit Red Wings Arena, to the displeasure of some Detroiters.
Michigan officials are planning a nearly $2 billion reconstruction project for a stretch of Interstate 94 in Detroit, starting with work on a number of bridges and overpasses in desperate need of replacing, following by roadwork that would happen over three phases in the next 20 years.
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