I often marvel at architecture from the past and wonder how they achieved such stunning levels of detail and color in these massive structures. Art deco architecture in particular is something to behold- the bold and geometric shapes with sharp lines, bright colors and use of industrial materials such as chrome, stainless steel, and brass are striking to look at.
While NYC’s Chrysler Building and Chicago’s Carbide & Carbon Building might immediately come to mind, you’ll find some wonderfully beautiful art deco buildings in Detroit.
The Guardian Building
Most notable is the Guardian Building which was built as a grand banking headquarters and office tower known as the "Cathedral of Finance". Currently, they offer architecture tours, which I’m sure is a fascinating glimpse into 40-story skyscraper and it’s rich history.
The Fisher Building
The Fisher Building was completed in 1928 and was honored with a silver medal in architecture for Albert Kahn's magnificent design. The building is also known as “The Golden Tower.” The original gold-leaf tiles on the tower were covered with asphalt during WWII for fear of bombing.
The Penobscot Building
The Greater Penobscot Building was the tallest building in Detroit and in Michigan from its completion until 1977. It was named for the Penobscot River in Maine after the president's Murphy association with lumbering in the Maine woods.
The Kahn Building
The ten-story Kahn building is architecturally similar to the Fisher Building (also designed by Kahn) and the two are actually connected by an underground pedestrian tunnel. Though many tenants occupied the building, it is mostly known for housing the Detroit’s Saks Fifth Avenue department store and remained unit its closing in 1979. It has now been converted to residential apartments.
Water Board Building
Designed by Louis Kamper, The Water Board Building materials include granite, limestone, marble and terra. The building is actually a triangular shape, occupying the entire plot of land formed by 3 downtown Detroit streets. Another unique feature of the building is its hydraulic freight elevator, which was originally connected to Detroit’s water mains.
If you love art deco and want to learn more, check out the July Mail Club issue which is Art Deco and Art Nouveau themed.