Monday, April 30, 2012

Radio Gods of Detroit

The WWJ-AM Radio transmitter building on East Eight Mile at Meyers  was owned by the Detroit News, and construction budget was not a problem.  The art deco granite block structure was designed by architect Albert Kahn.


The three-panel basically black and white mural near the entrance atrium ceiling shows the god Zeus hold a microphone and directing a parade varied entertainers broadcast from the station. Flanking the entrance door are large illustrations of radio tubes and equipment. The murals were painted by an assistant of famed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. These designs are similar to displays of technology seen at the Detroit Institute of Arts Rivera murals.




The Atrium floor has an inlaid linoleum design showing a carbon microphone with the call letters WWJ in the design. The art deco black and silver design continue along the walls with the men's bathroom door as an excellent example even in low light. The building is no longer owned by WWJ-AM and its future is unknown.  Additional information can be noted at: radioworld.com