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			.Building Navigation. History Old Photos Our Thoughts The history of Old Detroit Opera House is gathered from many internet and text sources. Though every attempt is made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. All rights reserved.					BuildingsOfDetroit.COM > Places > Old Detroit Opera House Old Detroit Opera House Campus Martius, Detroit  Status: Demolished AKA: Detroit Opera House Style(s): French Renaissance Architect : Mortimer L. Smith Owner: N/A Architectural Firm: Unknown         The exterior of the Detroit Opera House sometime after receiving modifications     This five-story building, with an exterior modeled after the pavilions that surround the Louvre in Paris, opened March 29, 1869. Upon its opening, the Detroit Free Press proclaimed it a "luxurious temple of art." It was made of brick though covered with mastic to resemble cut stone. Much like City Hall - which stood across Campus Martius from it - the Opera House had statues in niches. These represented Tragedy, Comedy, Music and so on. The interior the Opera House - including the elaborate drop curtain - was decorated by Robert Hopkin. Garry Hough was the opening manager. Over the years some changes occurred to the theater. The exterior underwent changes, such as extending window bays and removing statues. In 1885, the ground floor retail space was converted into a smaller theater. J.L. Hudson has his first store in the Opera House before erecting his own building, designed by the same architect, one block north. Later, in 1897, the theater was destroyed by fire. 11 months after, a new Opera House (not documented on this page) was constructed on the site.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ^top