Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts on Monday announced plans for a massive expansion project in its space in downtown Detroit.
The ambitious plans include a new facility that is seven stories with 100,000 square feet of space, dubbed Music Hall Center. It will house a 24,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art concert hall, plus a 200-seat recital hall, recording and practice studios, leasable office space and a public welcome center.
Public performances, art installations and other programming will take place in a 4,000-square-foot alley way between the new structure and the 96-year-old existing Music Hall building.
“The expansion will welcome the world to Detroit,” said Music Hall president and artistic director Vince Paul in a press release issued Monday. “Through this new development, we honor our musical legends and create opportunity for the music legends of tomorrow. This portal to the people not only engages our community, but will encourage tourists from all over the world to visit and celebrate their musical heroes.”
The $122 million expansion is designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects and is shooting for a fall 2026 opening. Founding partner Tod Williams says it’s a “tremendous gift” for his company to work on this project.
“The experience of growing up in and around Detroit has followed and influenced me throughout my life and career,” he said in the announcement. “By doubling its capacity and amplifying its activity and offerings, Music Hall will be an unparalleled destination and a spectacular asset for Detroit’s future.”
Funding for the project is largely supplied by tax-exempt bonds issued by the Economic Development Corporation, and is expected by create 446 new jobs.