Historic Detroit

Every building in Detroit has a story — we're here to share it

Wurlitzer Building - Pre-restoration Photos

The Wurlitzer, shot in infrared

The rear wall of the Wurlitzer was bricked-up in November 2013, two years after it started collapsing to the ground below.

The rear wall of the Wurlitzer, after part of the facade collapsed into the alley

The roof of the Wurlitzer Building

The Metropolitan Building, as seen through a hole in the rear wall of the top floor.

One of the upper floors in the Wurlitzer in November 2012, after interior demo was performed.

One of the upper floors in the Wurlitzer in November 2012, after interior demo was performed.

A typical floor in the Wurlitzer, in November 2012, after cleanup work had been done.

A typical floor in the Wurlitzer, in November 2012, after cleanup work had been done.

One of the upper floors in the Wurlitzer in November 2012, after interior demo was performed.

One of the upper floors in the Wurlitzer in November 2012, after interior demo was performed.

A typical floor in the Wurlitzer, in November 2012, after cleanup work had been done.

The Wurlitzer's front windows are covered in graffiti.

A typical floor in the Wurlitzer, in November 2012, after cleanup work had been done.

A typical floor in the Wurlitzer, in November 2012, after cleanup work had been done.

A typical floor in the Wurlitzer, in November 2012, after cleanup work had been done.

The walls of the Wurlitzer are covered with graffiti and bumper stickers such as this.

The elevator doors on a typical floor in the Wurlitzer

The basement of the Wurlitzer in November 2012, after it was pumped out.

The rear of the Wurlitzer's lobby in November 2012

The lobby of the Wurlitzer in November 2012, as cleanup work was being done.

The lobby of the Wurlitzer in November 2012, as cleanup work was being done.

The lobby of the Wurlitzer in November 2012, as cleanup work was being done.

The Wurlitzer, as seen from the roof of the next-door Metropolitan Building

The top floor of the Wurlitzer, where the rear wall collapsed in 2011.

The Detroit People Mover "darts" in front of the Wurlitzer in this long-exposure.

Crumbling neighbors: The Wurlitzer and the Metropolitan Building

The Wurlitzer Building