Fillmore Detroit, Detroit

The Fillmore Detroit, located in the vibrant Detroit Theatre District along Woodward Avenue, stands as a multi-use entertainment venue steeped in history. Operated by Live Nation, the venue opened its doors in 1925 and has undergone various transformations, including its original identity as the State Theatre. Today, it serves as a cultural hub for concerts, special events, and the annual Detroit Music Awards.

The Fillmore Detroit is housed within the Francis Palms Building, a 12-story Renaissance Revival structure designed by architect C. Howard Crane. Its stunning façade is adorned with elaborate Beaux-Arts Italian Renaissance terra cotta decorations, which remain a defining feature. The building also features an eight-story auditorium at the rear, complete with a barrel-vaulted ceiling in the grand foyer and original theatre seating on its mezzanine and balcony levels. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the Fillmore Detroit stands as a testament to Detroit’s architectural legacy.

The site’s entertainment roots date back to the early 20th century with the Grand Circus Theatre (1913–1923). The current structure was built during a boom in Detroit’s population and film industry and opened as the State Theatre in 1925. It underwent several name changes before being rebranded as the Fillmore Detroit in 2007, aligning with Live Nation’s effort to expand the iconic Fillmore brand, originally from San Francisco.

From hosting Fergie’s inaugural 2007 performance under its new name to welcoming a diverse array of artists and events, the Fillmore Detroit exemplifies the seamless blending of historical preservation with contemporary entertainment.