Stumbling into greatness: what we can learn about community design from an unlikely ballroom in Detroit

By TJ Dubler and Dr. Jordan Zignego

Montana State University

Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

Writing to be coming soon - abstract available!

An unlikely ballroom in Detroit, Michigan, has stumbled into greatness through a series of chance circumstances, charismatic people, and culturally historic events. The space holds a quiet but legendary status in the world of rock music, being the birthplace of many major musicians such as the Who, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, etcetera. Today, the building is in unrepairable ruins. However, the cultural impacts and memories of the space still reverberate through the community of Detroit. This writing will analyze the Grande Ballroom through a cultural-architectural lens and abstract what can be learned from its community-oriented design.