Book-Cadillac Hotel

The Book-Cadillac Hotel, now known as the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel, stands as a prominent landmark in downtown Detroit, representing a complex history of luxury, demolition, and rebirth. Originally conceived as a competitor to the Statler Hotel, the Book-Cadillac’s construction involved the dismantling of a beloved, earlier hotel on the same site – the Cadillac Hotel – and ultimately became the tallest hotel in the world upon its 1924 opening.

History

The story of the Book-Cadillac Hotel is inextricably linked to the history of the Cadillac Hotel that preceded it. The Cadillac Hotel’s origins trace back to 1885, when Daniel Scotten constructed a four-story business block that initially housed a grocery store. When the grocery business failed, Scotten repurposed the building into a hotel in 1888. Over the next few decades, the Cadillac Hotel expanded, acquiring and demolishing the adjacent Antisdel House and adding to its footprint until, by 1891, it occupied the entire block between Washington and Shelby Streets, fronting Michigan Avenue. It quickly became one of Detroit’s most esteemed hotels, hosting five U.S. Presidents – Benjamin Harrison, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft – during their respective terms.

However, by the early 20th century, the Cadillac Hotel began to show its age and struggled to compete with newer, more modern establishments like the Statler Hotel, which opened in 1915. The Book brothers – Herbert, Frank, and J. Burgess Book Jr. – recognized this shift in the hospitality landscape and saw an opportunity to create a grander hotel on Washington Boulevard, a street they were actively developing into a premier retail and commercial destination. Interestingly, the Book brothers had a personal connection to the Cadillac Hotel, having been born within its walls and spent their childhoods playing in the landscaped mall outside. In 1917, they purchased their birthplace, and in 1923, they made the decisive move to raze the historic Cadillac Hotel to make way for their ambitious new project.

Construction and Opening

The Book brothers commissioned architect Louis Kamper, with whom they had a pre-existing working relationship, to design the new hotel. Kamper envisioned a 33-story Neo-Renaissance structure that would not only be the most extravagant hotel in Detroit but also the tallest hotel in the world. Groundbreaking occurred in 1923, and the majestic Book-Cadillac Hotel officially opened its doors on December 8, 1924.

The hotel’s design incorporated a variety of European architectural elements, most notably the elaborately designed Italian Garden and the opulent Venetian Ballroom. The Book-Cadillac boasted over 1,200 guest rooms, each equipped with a private bathroom – a luxury that was not standard at the time. Beyond the guest rooms, the hotel featured three ballrooms, multiple restaurants and lounges, and a diverse array of shops, solidifying its position as a comprehensive destination for both travelers and Detroit residents. The hotel quickly became a symbol of Detroit’s prosperity and ambition.

Later Years and Renovation

For decades, the Book-Cadillac Hotel thrived as Detroit’s premier hospitality establishment. However, like the city itself, the hotel experienced periods of decline in the latter half of the 20th century. After a period of abandonment and disrepair lasting nearly 25 years, the hotel underwent a significant restoration and reopened as the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. This revitalization project aimed to restore the hotel’s original grandeur while updating its amenities to meet modern standards.

The renovation preserved many of the hotel’s original architectural features, including the Italian Garden and Venetian Ballroom, while also incorporating contemporary design elements. The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel continues to operate as a luxury hotel, hosting guests from around the world and serving as a venue for events and conferences. The hotel’s resurgence is often seen as a symbol of Detroit’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

Geography

The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel is strategically located on Washington Boulevard in downtown Detroit, a location historically significant for its concentration of upscale retail and commercial establishments. The hotel occupies the block bounded by Washington Boulevard, Michigan Avenue, Shelby Street, and Park Avenue, a prime location within the city’s central business district. Its position on Washington Boulevard was intentionally chosen by the Book brothers to capitalize on their efforts to transform the street into a premier destination.

The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers, reflecting Detroit’s architectural evolution. The hotel is within walking distance of numerous attractions, including the Fox Theatre, Comerica Park (home of the Detroit Tigers), and Ford Field (home of the Detroit Lions). Its central location provides convenient access to the city’s cultural, entertainment, and business hubs. The hotel’s proximity to major thoroughfares also facilitates easy access for travelers arriving by car or public transportation.

See Also

Downtown Detroit Washington Boulevard Book Building Cadillac Hotel