I was puzzled by what the story behind that was. The ornate ceiling is still quite striking. I was able to find out it is the Michigan Theater. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Theater_(Detroit) I agree with you that it is sad to see the decay of many of our country's once thriving inner cities. Apparently this was also the site of Henry Ford's first workshop in 1892 making it the birthplace of the Ford Motor Company. http://www.buildingsrus.co.uk/detroit/michigan_theatre/michigan_theatre.html