A cherished Detroit music landmark may have life ahead after all.
United Sound Systems, site of recording sessions by artists from John Lee Hooker to Whitney Houston, has been threatened by a planned I-94 project that could include a service drive across the 80-year-old studio's property at Second and Antoinette.
But now a team assembled by owner Danielle Scott is aiming to make United Sound too big to fail: The facility's two studios have been quietly renovated and restocked with audio gear, including a vintage Neve mixing console, and plans are in motion to create an on-site museum and recording school.
Detroit-born songwriter Allee Willis recorded at the studio earlier this month, and funk star George Clinton — who cut some of his best-known work at United in the 1970s and '80s — will begin sessions there this weekend. Harmonie Park Music head Brian Pastoria said he has spoken with Scott's team about bringing commercial recording projects to the facility.
"They're putting it back together in the hope that by preserving this history, having it function again, it becomes such a landmark that this (demolition) doesn't happen," said Paul Hill, a producer and singer authorized to speak on the studio's behalf.
United Sound is hosting an open house from 3-8 p.m. today to show off the restored digs and talk up the museum and school plans. Staffers have asked visitors to RSVP at 313-833-1833.
Clinton, who has not recorded at United since 1996, is thrilled to be back in familiar environs, said Hill, who performs with the 72-year-old funk star.
"This is going to be his home again," said Hill.
The studio's plight came to public attention this summer via the nonprofit Detroit Sound Conservancy, a music preservation group. Though the studio had fallen out of use in recent years, United Sound, Detroit's most notable recording facility behind Motown's Studio A, was home to work by iconic jazz artists (Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie), Motown acts (the Miracles), blues giants (John Lee Hooker), rockers (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and R&B greats (the Dramatics, Luther Vandross).
The I-94 project, which could start within two years, would add a lane to each side of the freeway while expanding off-ramps and service drives. An engineering firm was hired last week to begin hammering out logistics, including property acquisition, said Rob Morosi, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation.
After summer news media reports about United's precarious future, MDOT officials met with Scott and her team, emphasizing that they appreciate the building's historical stature and presenting possible options, including moving the building to an adjacent plot.
"We told them: If we do need a portion of your property, there are ways we can work with you to make sure we don't demolish (the studio)," said Morosi.
It's still possible the I-94 plan would not affect the United Sound site at all, he said.
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