Wayne State University Buildings
Encyclopedia
The Wayne State University Buildings historic district consists of three buildings on 4735-4841 Cass Ave in Detroit, Michigan
: the Mackenzie House (4735 Cass), the Hilberry Theater (4743 Cass), and Old Main
(4841 Cass), all on the campus of Wayne State University
. The buildings were designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1957 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1978.
The function of the building began to change in 1917, when Detroit Junior College opened its doors in a part of the building. The enrollment in the college grew, crowding the building and the high school still housed there. In 1923, the College of the City of Detroit (CCD) replaced the Detroit Junior College, crowding the building even more. Finally, in 1926, Central High School moved out of the building, leaving CCD as the primary occupant, along with a smaller College High School. In 1928, the latter closed, leaving CCD as the sole tenant. Five years later, Wayne State University
was formed.
A large wing on Warren Avenue was added in 1937. The building continued to serve Wayne State, and in 1994 received major renovations and a new addition.
The Hilberry Theater was built in 1916/1917 as the First Church of Christ Scientist, designed by the architectural firm of Field, Hinchman and Smith (predecessor of Smith, Hinchman and Grylls). The auditorium was designed to seat 1,500 congregants. The Christian Science congregation used the building until 1961, when they sold it to Wayne State University. WSU remodeled the interior to create a theater to seat 500 people, serving as a repertory theater. The building was re-christened in honor of Clarence Hilberry, the fourth president of WSU.
The Mackenzie House is a Queen Anne
house, designed by Malcomson & Higginbotham and built in 1895. It was the home of David Mackenzie
, principal of Central High School and founder of the College of the City of Detroit.
In the mid-1970’s, the Mackenzie House was slated for demolition, until a group of Wayne State students protested. Their successful effort created a new organization, Preservation Wayne. The building now serves as the offices of Preservation Wayne and the University Cultural Center Association.
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
: the Mackenzie House (4735 Cass), the Hilberry Theater (4743 Cass), and Old Main
Old Main (Wayne State University)
Old Main is an academic building on the campus of Wayne State University. It is located at 4841 Cass Avenue in Detroit, Michigan on Wayne's main campus.-Location:...
(4841 Cass), all on the campus of Wayne State University
Wayne State University
Wayne State University is a public research university located in Detroit, Michigan, United States, in the city's Midtown Cultural Center Historic District. Founded in 1868, WSU consists of 13 schools and colleges offering more than 400 major subject areas to over 32,000 graduate and...
. The buildings were designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1957 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in 1978.
Old Main
Old Main was designed and built in 1895-1896 by Malcomson & Higginbotham. Its original use was to house Detroit's Central High School. The original building plan had 103 rooms arranged in a "T" shape, with an auditorium which seated over 2,000 people. In 1908, a wing was added housing gymnasiums, laboratories, and shops.The function of the building began to change in 1917, when Detroit Junior College opened its doors in a part of the building. The enrollment in the college grew, crowding the building and the high school still housed there. In 1923, the College of the City of Detroit (CCD) replaced the Detroit Junior College, crowding the building even more. Finally, in 1926, Central High School moved out of the building, leaving CCD as the primary occupant, along with a smaller College High School. In 1928, the latter closed, leaving CCD as the sole tenant. Five years later, Wayne State University
Wayne State University
Wayne State University is a public research university located in Detroit, Michigan, United States, in the city's Midtown Cultural Center Historic District. Founded in 1868, WSU consists of 13 schools and colleges offering more than 400 major subject areas to over 32,000 graduate and...
was formed.
A large wing on Warren Avenue was added in 1937. The building continued to serve Wayne State, and in 1994 received major renovations and a new addition.
Hilberry Theater
Mackenzie House
Queen Anne Style architecture
The Queen Anne Style in Britain means either the English Baroque architectural style roughly of the reign of Queen Anne , or a revived form that was popular in the last quarter of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century...
house, designed by Malcomson & Higginbotham and built in 1895. It was the home of David Mackenzie
David L. Mackenzie
David Mackenzie was a noteworthy Michigan educator and administrator. Mackenzie was born in Detroit on May 28, 1860; he attended Capitol High School and the University of Michigan.-Biography:...
, principal of Central High School and founder of the College of the City of Detroit.
In the mid-1970’s, the Mackenzie House was slated for demolition, until a group of Wayne State students protested. Their successful effort created a new organization, Preservation Wayne. The building now serves as the offices of Preservation Wayne and the University Cultural Center Association.