McMorran Place

McMorran Place is a multi-purpose arena and convention center located in Port Huron, Michigan, on the St. Clair River waterfront, near the Blue Water Bridge. The complex is named after Howard McMorran, a former Mayor of Port Huron who played a significant role in the development of the city's downtown area, which is also home to the Port Huron Civic Theatre and the St. Clair County Community College. McMorran Place has hosted various events, including concerts, trade shows, and sporting events, such as hockey games featuring the Port Huron Flags and the Port Huron Fighting Falcons, which are affiliated with the International Hockey League and the Federal Hockey League. The venue has also been used for events like the Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race and the Bayview Yacht Club's annual Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race.

History

The history of McMorran Place dates back to the early 20th century, when the city of Port Huron, Michigan began planning for a new community center and auditorium. The project was led by Howard McMorran, who served as the Mayor of Port Huron from 1945 to 1953, and was also involved in the development of the St. Clair County Courthouse and the Port Huron City Hall. The construction of McMorran Place was completed in 1960, with the help of architects from the Detroit-based firm Smith, Hinchman and Grylls, which also designed the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Since its opening, McMorran Place has undergone several renovations, including a major expansion in the 1980s, which added new exhibition space and meeting rooms, similar to those found at the Cobo Center in Detroit and the Devos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Architecture and facilities

McMorran Place features a unique blend of modern architecture and historic preservation, with its original art deco design still visible in the building's facade and interior design, similar to the Fisher Building in Detroit and the Guardian Building in Detroit. The complex includes a 4,800-seat arena, which hosts various events, including concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events, such as mixed martial arts and professional wrestling events, featuring athletes from the Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment. The venue also features several meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, and a ballroom, which can be used for weddings, conferences, and other events, similar to the Renaissance Center in Detroit and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The complex is also home to the Port Huron Museum, which showcases the city's history and culture, with exhibits on the St. Clair River, the Lake Huron shoreline, and the Fort Gratiot.

Events and usage

McMorran Place has hosted a wide range of events over the years, including concerts by famous musicians such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Lady Gaga, as well as comedy shows featuring comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Eddie Murphy. The venue has also been used for sporting events, such as hockey games, basketball games, and mixed martial arts events, featuring athletes from the National Hockey League, the National Basketball Association, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In addition, McMorran Place has hosted various trade shows and exhibitions, including the Port Huron Boat Show and the St. Clair County Home and Garden Show, which attract visitors from across the Great Lakes region, including Chicago, Illinois, Cleveland, Ohio, and Toronto, Ontario. The venue has also been used for community events, such as parades, festivals, and charity events, including the Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race and the Bayview Yacht Club's annual Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race.

Management and operations

McMorran Place is managed and operated by the City of Port Huron, which is responsible for maintaining the facility and scheduling events, in partnership with event promoters like Live Nation and AEG Presents. The venue is also home to several tenants, including the Port Huron Civic Theatre and the St. Clair County Community College, which offer a range of educational programs and community services, similar to the University of Michigan and the Michigan State University. The complex is also used by various community groups and non-profit organizations, such as the United Way and the American Red Cross, which provide social services and emergency assistance to residents of St. Clair County, Michigan and the surrounding area.

Cultural significance

McMorran Place has played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of Port Huron, Michigan, and the surrounding Great Lakes region, including Detroit, Michigan, Cleveland, Ohio, and Toronto, Ontario. The venue has hosted numerous events and exhibitions that showcase the city's history, art, and culture, including the Port Huron Museum and the St. Clair County Historical Society. McMorran Place has also been recognized for its architectural significance, with its unique blend of modern architecture and historic preservation, similar to the Fisher Building in Detroit and the Guardian Building in Detroit. The complex has been designated as a historic landmark by the National Register of Historic Places and the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, and has received awards from the American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As a result, McMorran Place continues to be an important part of the city's identity and a popular destination for visitors from across the region, including Chicago, Illinois, Cleveland, Ohio, and Toronto, Ontario. Category:Buildings and structures in Michigan