2650 W. Grand Blvd.

[JL2648]

2650 was the building next door to 2648, the Hitsville building. According to the Soulful Detroit Grand Studio Tour, 2650 at one time housed the offices of Berry Gordy, Esther Edwards and Ralph Seltzer. It burned to the ground in 1971, hence the empty lot on the east side of the Hitsville building. What were the circumstances behind this fire? Did Motown still own this building at the time? I imagine this fire presented a scary scene being within feet of the Hitsville building.

Jeff

[ralpht]

Yes, Motown did own the building at the time of the fire. Interestingly, I tried to sell Tera Shirma to Motown a few months before the fire. I was told they had no need for an additional studio, so TS went to someone else. And then the fire happened. My timing was a bit off....

[JL2648]

Was 2650 being used for anything by Motown at the time of the fire? Any idea how the fire started? Was there any damage to 2648 as a result of the fire just a matter of feet away?

Jeff

[ralpht]

There were mixing facilities in that building. I don't believe there was any damage done next door,. but I really can't say that I remember.