Guardian Building
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| Guardian Building | |
|---|---|
| (U.S. National Register of Historic Places) | |
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| Location: | 500 Griswold Street, Detroit, Michigan |
| Built/Founded: | 1928-1929 |
| Architect: | Wirt C. Rowland |
| Architectural style(s): | Art Deco |
| Added to NRHP: | June 29, 1989 |
The Guardian Building, a National Historic Landmark, is a skyscraper in downtown Detroit, Michigan. Built in 1928 and finished in 1929, the building was originally called the Union Trust Building and is a bold example of Art Deco architecture, including art moderne designs. At the top of the Guardian Building's spire, is a huge American Flag, similar to the four smaller flags sitting atop nearby 150 West Jefferson. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and has undergone recent award-winning renovations.
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[edit] Architecture
The main frame of the skyscraper rises 36 stories, capped by two asymmetric spires, one extending for four additional stories. The height of the building is 489 feet (149 m). The exterior blends brickwork with tile, limestone, and terra cotta. Nicknamed the "Cathedral of Finance," the building's interior is lavishly decorated with mosaic and Pewabic and Rookwood tile. Native American themes are common inside and outside the building. Wirt C. Rowland, of the Smith Hinchman & Grylls firm, was the building's architect while Corrado Parducci created the two sculptures flanking the Griswold Street entrance. During World War II, the Guardian Building served as headquarters for war time production; Detroit was called the "Arsenal of Democracy."
[edit] Recent history
The building was purchased by Sterling Group in 2004. Under the Group's watch, the Guardian's office occupancy rate has nearly doubled, its promenade has been opened to the public for the first time in decades, and the building now has a doorman. Since this time, the building has received exterior lighting accents at night and a new entrance canopy.
[edit] Photo gallery
 The building's lavish interior |
 Guardian Building on the left, One Woodward Avenue on the right |
 Main entrance |
 Flag is seen across the city and in Windsor, Ontario |
[edit] See also
| Guardian Building | |
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | 500 Griswold Street |
| Status | Complete |
| Constructed | 1928-1929 |
| Use | office |
| Height | |
| Antenna/Spire | 192.6 m |
| Roof | 151 m (496 ft) |
| Top floor | 149 m (489 ft) |
| Technical Details | |
| Floor count | 40 |
| Elevator count | 22 |
| Companies | |
| Architect | Wirt C. Rowland, SmithGroup |
- Art Deco
- Cadillac Place
- Corrado Parducci
- David Stott Building
- Fisher Building
- Penobscot Building
- Robert Sharoff
- Wirt C. Rowland
[edit] References
- Hill, Eric J. and John Gallagher (2002). AIA Detroit: The American Institute of Architects Guide to Detroit Architecture. Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0-8143-3120-3.
- Meyer, Katherine Mattingly and Martin C.P. McElroy with Introduction by W. Hawkins Ferry, Hon A.I.A. (1980). Detroit Architecture A.I.A. Guide Revised Edition. Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0-8143-1651-4.
- Sharoff, Robert (2005). American City: Detroit Architecture. Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0-8143-3270-6.
- Savage, Rebecca Binno and Greg Kowalski (2004). Art Deco in Detroit (Images of America). Arcadia. ISBN 0-7385-3228-2.
[edit] External links
- Guardian Building - official website
- Entry from the National Register site
- Building Photos: Guardian Building
- Sterling Group - building owners
- Structurae: Guardian Building
- Guardian Building at Emporis.com
- SkyscraperPage.com's Profile on the Guardian Building
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