Annex Theatre - Detroit MI

Address: 8990 Grand River Ave
City: Detroit
State: MI
Zip: 48204
County: Wayne
Open: 1927
Capacity: 1824
Owner History:
Theater Type: Neighborhood House
Number of visits to this page: 19104
Disclaimer:

Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.

General Information:

Source: Cinema Treasures

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.

Info Updates:
No Updates Found
 Photos:13
Annex Theatre - Old Shot From Wayne State Library (newer photo)
Old Shot From Wayne State Library (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Annex Auditorium From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Auditorium From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Annex Floor Plan From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Floor Plan From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Annex Ladies Parlor From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Ladies Parlor From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Annex Theatre Entrance From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre Entrance From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Annex Auditorium From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Auditorium From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Exterior From John Lauter (newer photo)
Exterior From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Auditorium From John Lauter (newer photo)
Auditorium From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Auditorium From John Lauter (newer photo)
Auditorium From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Lobby From John Lauter (newer photo)
Lobby From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Annex Auditorium From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Auditorium From John Lauter (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Now A Beauty College (newer photo)
Now A Beauty College (newer photo)
Annex Theatre - Ushers Pin From John Lauter (newer photo)
Ushers Pin From John Lauter (newer photo)
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