The Vanity Ballroom

The Vanity Ballroom was designed in 1929 by Charles N. Agree as a flamboyant venue in which to socialize, dance and hear music. The ballroom was a major venue for bands of the 1930s and 1940s, such as those of Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Red Nichols, Russ Morgan, Art Mooney, Woody Herman, and Pee Wee Hunt. The Vanity billed itself as "Detroit's most beautiful dance rendezvous."

The ballroom was closed in 1958, but reopened in 1964 for one night a week. It was eventually completely shuttered, and although it played a bit part in Eminem's movie, 8 Mile, it remains closed and dilapidated.

Sorry for the grainy photos. It was so dark in there even I was surprised that I was able to make it so you can tell what you are looking at. There are 4 or 5 small windows that allow very minimal light into this building.

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