Theater, Detroit, since 1941
Civic Theatre
Standing, closed
- Opened
- 1941
- Style
- Art Deco
- Standing
- 85 years
Designed by Kenneth S. Frazier
The Civic Theatre has stood on Kelly Road in Detroit since 1941, 85 years and counting. Who built it, what makes it special and how to see it for yourself.
Civic Theatre today, from the street
What is there now
Standing, closed
- Closed Source: Historic Detroit
We checked building permits, sales, listings and the city's blight and demolition files on October 24, 2026. Nothing new at this address in the last two years.
The story
The Civic Theatre opened in 1941, as the city's factories turned to the war effort and then back to cars.
Kenneth S. Frazier drew the plans, working in Art Deco.
Its doors are closed for now, but the building still stands.
Next time you are nearby, stop at 12327 Kelly Road and look up.
Timeline
- 1941 Built Designed by Kenneth S. Frazier
- 2026 Today Standing, closed
Where it is
12327 Kelly Road
On this map
Street map from OpenStreetMap contributors
Who made it
More from Detroit in the 1940s
-
Birwood Wall
Structure, built 1941
Photo: John Vachon, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
-
Immaculata High School
Building, built 1941, Modern Movement
Photo: Albertype Company, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
-
Louis G. Redstone Residential Historic District
Historic district, built 1940, International Style
Photo: National Park Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
-
River Terrace Apartments
Building, built 1939, Colonial Revival
Photo: Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
-
Brewster-Douglass Projects
Building, built 1938, demolished 2013
Photo: Albert duce, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Bleu Detroit (Telenews Theatre) Theater, built 1942, by Cyril Schley
Around the block
Photo credits
Every photo on this page is used under its license, named here with its author and a link to the original.
- Civic Theatre from the street today Photo: Street View, 2026
Sources
Facts only, gathered from these sources. The story above is written by Rebuild Detroit. Every photo names its author and license where it appears.