Detroit’s Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts is set for a transformative revival, with the U.S. consultant, Acentech, taking the lead in designing acoustics for the expansion project.
Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects is orchestrating the revitalization of this iconic 1928 Art Deco structure, preserving its rich history as a cultural hub for theatrical companies and touring artists.
Saved from demolition in the 1970s and meticulously restored in 1995, the music all has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s artistic legacy.
Now, under the vision of executive director, Vince Paul, the expansion aims to further elevate the venue’s status. The project, scheduled for a grand unveiling in 2026, involves an eight-floor, 9,290-m2 (100,000-sf) building adjacent to the original hall.
This ambitious endeavor encompasses a 1,400-seat performance venue, a 200-seat flexible recital hall, recording and practice studios, leasable office space, a welcome center, box office, music academy, two restaurants (including a nightclub), and a music instrument store. The new structure will be seamlessly connected to the existing hall through enclosed aerial walkways, offering covered outdoor terraces, a floating canopy, and a rooftop restaurant boasting panoramic views of the Detroit skyline.
Acentech will lend its expertise in architectural acoustics, noise and vibration control, and audiovisual and technology systems design to create an immersive and technically advanced experience. The acousticians at Acentech are tackling the challenge of designing spaces with varied uses and mitigating noise disruptions in areas such as recording studios and executive offices.
