Aretha Franklin Wants To Open Detroit Entertainment Venue

The Queen of Soul told WWJ-AM in an interview broadcast Thursday that she’s “glad that Detroit came through the bankruptcy with flying colors.” She said she loves how Detroit is enjoying a renaissance and that she’s “going to be part of that renaissance.”

The singer said the venue would include “a five-star night club for dining and dancing, the band, the whole nine yards,” as well as a museum.

Downtown Detroit has been a hotbed of redevelopment since the city emerged from Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in December.

Franklin said she’s found a potential location downtown, with details to be announced later. She performs Saturday at Detroit’s Chene Park.