The National Theater has been vacant since 1975.
Dan Gilbert, the Pac-Man of Detroit, who continues to gobble up downtown real estate, has his eyes on a half block on Monroe Street that includes the long- abandoned historical National Theater designed by architect Albert Kahn.
Louis Aguilar of the Detroit News reports that Gilbert’s Rock Ventures, are in ongoing talks with the city. No deal has been struck yet. The city recently took back the theater from a developer who failed to rehabilitate the building as he had agreed to do a decade or so ago after acquiring the building from the city.
The News reported that Eric Larson, managing partner of Bedrock Real Estate Services, said Monday in an email: “We have had conversations with the city about the National Theatre and are exploring options to preserve the architectural history and legacy it represents.” .
Gilbert recently bought the Greektown Casino-Hotel, which is nearby.
