C Howard Crane

Architect

Birthday August 13, 1885

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace Hartford, CT

DEATH DATE Aug 14, 1952 (67)

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About

Acclaimed designer of American movie palaces of the 1920s; he worked on a total of 250 over the course of his career. Sixty-two of his designs were in Detroit, including the 5,174-seat Detroit Fox Theatre. He was also known for his ability to provide superior acoustics in his theatres.

Before Fame

He opened his architecture firm in Detroit, where he designed the Orchestra Hall and the masterful Lafayette Building.

Trivia

He moved to London after the start of the Great Depression, where he designed the Earls Court Exhibition Centre and helped the city to rebuild following World War II.

Family Life

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and died in London. His descendants, however, including C. Howard Crane III, maintained residency in Detroit.

Associated With

Frank Lloyd Wright is another prominent architect whose work was displayed in Detroit.