Historical Buildings in Detroit

By Karen Helman


Detroit is a town filled with electrifying historic buildings. Many of those notable structures have played a very important role in shaping the cityscape.

Fisher Building

This is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable buildings in Detroit. It has been designated as "Detroit's largest art object." The top level of this 28-story Art Deco structure towers high in the sky at a formidable 444 feet. The rich and powerful Fisher siblings employed Joseph Nathaniel French to design the building back in 1928 as a massive commercial complex. The building homes retail shops, a large live theater and art studios. A few different radio stations had also staged their broadcasts from the building during its history.

Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Building

Union Armed forces veterans of the Civil War wished to have a building made for members of G.A.R. To conduct their civic and business activities. Richard Romanesque (who the design style was named after) and Julian Hess crafted the outside of this 5-story structure back in 1897 to give the appearance of a castle. G.A.R. Members had the privilege of visiting the bank or one of the shops found within the building. As veterans of the war passed away throughout the years, the building ultimately became empty. Plans for a massive renovation are currently in the works. Even though this is one of the smallest historical buildings in Detroit, it serves as an important part in the development of the town.

General Motors Building

This building, now known as "Cadillac Place," is among the most major buildings in Detroit. It played a big part in the development of Detroit's automobile industry. Company heads at General Motors had the 15-story building designed by Albert Kahn in a Neo-Classical architectural style. Construction was finished in 1923. General Motors used it as their HQ from the building's inauguration till 2001. It happens to be one of the most distinguishable buildings in Detroit. The structure now homes offices providing state services.

The Guardian Building

The Union Trust Bank wanted a great space for their headquarters, so they commissioned the building to be built by Wirt Rowland. It was completed in 1929, the year of the terrible Wall Street crash. The 40-story building was ready to survive through the liberal support of investors. The Mayan Revival-inspired structure has been nicknamed the "Cathedral of Finance" for the high ceilings and adornments looking a little bit like a massive cathedral. A lot of the building is presently available for businesses to lease.

Michigan Central Station

Construction was completed to this crucial transport heart in 1913. It was once the world's tallest train station, boasting an 18-story tower. Architectural firm Reed and Stem mixed forces with Warren and Wetmore to craft the Beau-Arts design structure. It once serviced as much as 200 trains per day. The station stopped rail service in the latter 1980s. The building now sits mostly empty. Minor restorations have been implemented to try to keep one of the most beloved historical buildings in Detroit from further rot.




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