July 21, 2009
Crutcher Studio, Inc. assisted The Harris Design Group with the interior design for the new home for The Arts League of Michigan Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center. The Arts League of Michigan is a center that develops, promotes, presents and preserves the African and African American cultural arts traditions within our multicultural community.
The development of the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center is the next step in the evolution of the organization and moves to establish it and The Arts League of Michigan as major participants in the cultural life of our community and the nation. Named in honor of Virgil H. Carr, past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arts League of Michigan, this facility will be recognized as the premier center for African and African American cultural arts programs and activities in the nation.
The Carr Center is located in The Harmonie Club, located at 311 E. Grand River. Constructed in 1895, the building and its subsequent club, known as the Harmonie Club was originated by the Harmonie Society, a musical society of German immigrants. Designed in classical Beaux Arts style, the building is four stories embellished by appealing stone work, and carefully designed curving windows, all reminiscent of the best in urban architecture of the late Victorian age.