The building committee selected the riverfront site of the old interurban station at Lyon and Campau.

Local architects Robinson & Campau produced a design that combined Renaissance and Art Deco elements.

The building included an exhibition hall, meeting rooms, a concert space, and the main arena for a total capacity of over 8,000 spectators.

The vast lobby reflects the sleek, polished metal and marble of the Art Deco style.

[3] With the "Civic Auditorium" front façade and lobby remaining intact, the auditorium portion was imploded on July 19, 2003, and in February 2005 was incorporated as a part of the Steelcase Ballroom of the DeVos Place Convention Center.