Semi-Public Access Only

Only parts of the following building are open to the public usually limited to street level lobbies or atriums.

GM Renaissance Center

Conceived by Henry Ford II and financed primarily by the Ford Motor Company, the Renaissance Center became the world’s largest private development with an anticipated 1971 cost of $500 million. In part, civic leaders intended this ambitious urban renewal project to quell the white flight which followed social unrest from the 12th Street riot in [...]

Dowling Hall (University of Detroit)

Detroit Fire Department Headquarters

Ford / UAW Building

The first building associated with the Civic Center plan features an eagle relief sculpture by Marshall Fredericks. The building was renovated in 1996.

Ford Building

When it was built in 1909, the Ford Building was the tallest skyscraper in Detroit until 1913. Unlike Burnham’s previous buildings, it was constructed with a steel frame instead of thick masonry. The exterior was clad in white terra cotta that was crisply detailed to emphasize it’s height. The column analogy, which was common for [...]

MGM Grand Casino

Construction started on MGM’s permanent gambling facility in 2006 and was completed in 2007. The 17 story building incorporates a larger gambling space and added much needed hotel rooms to downtown Detroit.

Old Mariner’s Church

The oldest surviving stone church in Detroit originally stood at the end of Woodward Avenue, but it was moved in 1955 as part of the Civic Center (Hart Plaza) construction.

Saints Peter and Paul Church

Guardian Building

The Guardian Building, a National Historic Landmark, is a skyscraper in downtown Detroit, Michigan. Built in 1928 and finished in 1929, the building (originally called the Union Trust Building) is a bold example of Art Deco architecture, including some art moderne designs. Covering an entire city block, the main frame of the skyscraper rises 36 [...]

Dime Building

Originally known as the Dime Savings Bank Building, this building is one of three remaining buildings designed by one the most celebrated architects at the time.

← Previous Entries

Semi-Public Access Only

GM Renaissance Center

Dowling Hall (University of Detroit)

Detroit Fire Department Headquarters

Ford / UAW Building

Ford Building

MGM Grand Casino

Old Mariner’s Church

Saints Peter and Paul Church

Guardian Building

Dime Building

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