Motown Museum plans $50M expansion

Motown Museum is launching a $50 million fundraising effort to expand the legendary recording studio.

The goal is to add interactive tourist exhibits, a new performance venue, an updated recording studio and additional meeting spaces, according to a Monday news release. The planned expansion would add 50,000 square feet to the West Grand Boulevard space.

No more details were provided about the fundraising efforts in the Monday press release.

Founded by Berry Gordy, Motown became a hit factory with more than 180 No. 1 hit songs worldwide, according to the press release.

The new Motown Museum will be designed and built around the current Hitsville U.S.A. house. Gordy moved the record label to Los Angeles decades ago. The Detroit recording studio remains a top tourist attraction.

“When I look back on that magical time in Detroit,” Gordy said in a written statement, “I’m reminded of how a company, based on love, fairness and competition, came together to create something special.”

laguilar@detroitnews.com