Rock legend reveals ‘Alice Cooper Court’ in abandoned asylum in Westland

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Westland – More than 100 people gathered on a damp and gloomy Thursday afternoon to witness the unveiling of a new street name outside Eloise Asylum.

With their phones and digital cameras ready, their clothes getting wetter, they glanced at Alice Cooper as he emerged from behind a parked black hearse.

Cooper, from Detroit, was introduced by WCSX-FM’s Big Jim O’Brien to celebrate the radio station’s brand new Alice Cooper Court.

“Welcome to my home!” Cooper told the crowd of the abandoned asylum, with some proudly showing off the “Alice Cooper” tour t-shirts under their raincoats.

“I love the idea that they name the streets after rock stars,†the singer said. “I think there (are) more rock stars than politicians.”

Following: New attraction converts Eloise’s mental institution into an immersive haunted experience

“God, I hope so! Replied O’Brien, who introduced the new street name as a fan initiative that surprised Cooper. The name change was strictly ceremonial, Westland Mayor William Wild said, adding that there had been no action from city council as the court is located in a private commercial development. Michael Londeau, member of Westland City Council, participated in the ceremony.

Cooper’s remarks followed a live performance of “The Nightmare,” a cover band that received Cooper’s seal of approval as well as the fans who attended.

“They made all of my favorites,†said Cassie Smith, 54. “They were awesome! I’d go see them again.”

Smith was there with a group of his friends, all members of the Phenomena Paranormal Investigators group, who said they had spent a lot of time talking with the spirits at Eloise Asylum in previous years. The new haunted house attraction opens for the season on October 1.

Eloise began in 1839 as the Wayne County Poorhouse, according to the current owners of the building. The building, which was part of a larger complex at the time, was converted in 1894 into an asylum, primarily for people with mental health issues. It was at one time the largest asylum in the United States, say the owners, and it was one of the first to perform lobotomies on patients.

Eloise Asylum owner and developer John Hambrick (left to right) Alice Cooper and Westland City Council member Michael Londeau with a street sign dedicated to the Detroit native and horror aficionado at a preview of Eloise Asylum's haunted attraction in Westland on Thursday, September 23.  , 2021.

The Kay Beard Building is now home to a haunted, multi-level, immersive attraction that incorporates the place’s past. During the 40-minute experience, visitors are invited as new patients to the asylum by following a fictional scenario that takes them from the building’s original day room to spaces that feel much more sinister. .

Smith has been friends with fellow paranormal investigator Renee Pascas, 53, since they were both in sophomores over 45 years ago.

What brought them together? Mutual love for Alice Cooper, who they said they saw play together 40 times.

“We met asking, ‘Who is your favorite singer? Smith said, before she and Pascas shouted “Alice Cooper!” the same time.

Smith said she was missing Cooper’s show on Saturday night in Detroit due to her concerns about the coronavirus, but was sure there would be more opportunities for her to watch him perform again.

A fan wearing an Alice Cooper sweatshirt waits for the Detroit native and horror lover during a ribbon cut outside the haunted Eloise Asylum attraction in Westland on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

“Alice Cooper Court” is the third street name created by WCSX in honor of the rock icons of Motor City. Other landmarks include “Bob Seger Boulevard” and “Glenn Frey Drive”.

O’Brien, in his introductory speech to Cooper, spoke about the impact of the pandemic on the music industry, lamenting the many performances canceled over the past 18 months. He said things were improving, however.

“It’s a reminder that we can still do cool things at Motor City.”

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