To start the year, here’s a heartfelt architectural story.
For years the four-story building sat as an empty footstool to The Guardian Building, an art deco masterpiece in the heart of Detroit’s Financial District.
The two buildings represented a physical oxymoron. And everyone noticed.
Then, along with the rest of the city’s downtown, it was time for a renaissance. Developer Elia Group selected architect Yamasaki Inc. to design a $10 million redevelopment of the property. The final vision included new beautiful glass facades and a dramatic stainless-steel sunshade formed like sails of a clipper ship.
The renovation serves as a visual statement that ties the city’s lower Woodward corridor to its central Campus Martius and the Detroit riverfront. In addition, the venue took its rightful place alongside the amazing Guardian edifice.
Glazier Modern Mirror and Glass joined the development team. Soon after, they chose us to fabricate the glass. In response, we delivered a beautifully flat exterior façade using Guardian’s SN54 on Crystal Gray and Neutral 78/65 glass.
It always feel good to be involved in such a project. However, it felt great in the current climate. Helping to bring to life to an apparent empty building. Moreover, adding more energy to a city in transition during an awful pandemic. All total, we collectively smile here at G+MC.
The project doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of our other architectural systems. It lacks elaborate entrances, colorful cascading canopies, and clean crisp windscreens. Nevertheless, it adds a whole lot of new heart to Detroit’s Financial District.
It’s a story we share to remind you that a better future is coming. It just takes creativity, even in the face of the constraints of COVID-19. Hopefully, as we all turn into the new year, it brings a smile to you face.
