Business & Economy

Detroit’s Gem Theater move documented in aerial images

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By ERIC STIEM
Capital News Service
Normally construction for a major project like Detroit’s Comerica Park requires the demolition of everything in its way. One building, however, was fortunate to survive. Gem Theater, lying in the shadows of Comerica Park and Ford Field, now resides five blocks from where it was built. In 1997, the 2700-ton building was moved on wheels. Aerial imagery before and after the move shows a city in transition. Not only did the Gem move, but the density of buildings have changed as seen in images from Michigan State University’s aerial photo archive.