The Grand Hall and chandelier before the renovation

Photo from the Michigan Opera Theatre Archives; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

Damaged ceiling in the third floor lobby

Photo from the Detroit Free Press archives; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

The proscenium arch with holes in the plasterwork

Courtesy of Michigan Opera Theatre Archives; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

The grand stairway before the renovation

Courtesy of Michigan Opera Theatre Archives; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

The auditorium, as seen from the stage

Courtesy of Michigan Opera Theatre Archives; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

While much of the Capitol Theatre's elegance remained, it needed a LOT of cleaning up.

Courtesy of Michigan Opera Theatre Archives; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

A picture of the 1994 benefit ball. A Ford Mustang was auctioned out during the event to raise funding for the renovation. There were no working restrooms so the entire building was ringed with Porta-Johns and the power for lighting, etc. was created with generators.

Courtesy of Michigan Opera Theatre Archives; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers