05 May ICONIC Detroit gives life to historic Ford Building
This week we want to tell you a little more about where our offices are located and the exciting changes that are coming to the city’s first skyscraper: The Ford Building.
Facts about the building:
The Ford Building is centrally located in the heart of Detroit’s growing and vibrant downtown, and its historic roots made it the perfect place to headquarter our business. We, alongside the new building ownership, had a vision to develop and provide a top-of-the-line office space with world-class amenities and a modernized, but historic feel. Once touted as one of the most elaborate office spaces in the world, the Detroit Free Press trumped it as “the beginning of a new era in the building of Detroit Beautiful.” The Ford Building has caught attention and turned heads since its opening in 1908 – and is an important part of Detroit’s history as its first steel-framed skyscraper.
The Ford Building completely revitalized Griswold Street – which many thought was rundown, and helped keep the city’s financial center from moving elsewhere in the city.
Whenever the name ‘Ford’ is mentioned in Detroit, it’s automatically thought to be the automaker family; however this Ford Building connection is different. Built for the headquarters of Edward Ford Plate Glass Co., the site was originally sold for more than $100,000.
Renovation plans:
Since new owners acquired the 23-story building in 2017 (with a deal brokered by our very own Jacob Sworski) they have some exciting plans for the building. These include new streamlined glass turnstiles and a canopy with dynamic signage for better visibility and to give the building a new, modern presence, balanced with the beauty of architectural history. In addition to the start of this new look, With nearly 16,000 square feet on the retail level the owners are exploring a variety of configurations and retailers to further enhance the lobby experience and amenities at the Ford Building! (If you’re looking for a space for your business contact us!)
The overall space boasts open floors and over 12,000 sq. ft. for customizable tenant fit-out for single or multiple tenants.
Check out our latest plans in this video:
Just like the iconic history of the Ford Building, we’re excited to be part of Detroit’s growing business sector. It’s important to us to be downtown, immersed in the heart and soul of the action with a front row seat.
Interested in checking out the Ford Building and its most recent upgrades? Contact us today!