David Stott Building
The David Stott Building, a 38-story Art Deco skyscraper located at 1150 Griswold Street in Detroit, stands as a testament to the city’s ambitious building period during the Roaring Twenties and its subsequent economic challenges. Originally constructed as an office building, it now functions as a mixed-use space incorporating both office and residential units, alongside retail space on the ground floor[1]. Its history reflects the fortunes of the Stott family and the broader economic climate of Detroit throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
History
The David Stott Building was conceived as a memorial to David Stott, a prominent figure in Detroit’s business landscape. Stott made his fortune as a flour miller, operating one of the largest mills in the Midwest, and also became a significant property owner[2]. Following his death in 1916, his heirs initiated plans to honor him with a skyscraper in 1921. The project underwent numerous iterations, with 22 different sets of plans considered before a final design was selected. The architectural firm of Donaldson & Meier was ultimately chosen, although Henry Meier had passed away more than a decade prior to the building’s construction. Martin & Krausmann Co. served as the general contractor.
Construction began in April 1928, and progressed rapidly. The tower cost $3.5 million to build, which is equivalent to approximately $46.3 million today when adjusted for inflation[3]. The building officially opened on June 17, 1929, marking it as one of the last major skyscrapers completed in Detroit before the onset of the Great Depression[4]. However, the timing of its completion proved unfortunate. The economic downturn significantly impacted the Stott family’s wealth, leading to financial difficulties and legal disputes.
Geography
The David Stott Building is situated at 1150 Griswold Street, within Detroit’s central business district[5]. It previously occupied the site of the Hodges Building, which dated back to 1871. The building rises 436 feet above Capitol Park, a historic green space in downtown Detroit. Its location places it in close proximity to other significant landmarks and commercial areas, contributing to the density and character of the city center. The property itself was described as not particularly wide, which influenced the building’s design, resulting in a tall and slender structure.
The building’s exterior is constructed from a combination of reddish-orange brick, marble (covering the first three floors), limestone, and terra cotta[6]. It features several setbacks as it ascends, creating a tapering effect that is characteristic of Art Deco architecture. These setbacks, along with the building’s overall height, contribute to its prominent presence on the Detroit skyline.
Culture
The David Stott Building exemplifies the Art Deco architectural style prevalent during the late 1920s[7]. The design incorporates geometric patterns, stylized ornamentation, and a focus on verticality, all hallmarks of the movement. Stone carving by sculptor Corrado Parducci further enhances the building’s artistic details. In June 1929, the Detroit News described the building as a “tall, slender but substantial mass of old rose colored brick” that “arrests the attention and causes the spectator to view it in detail”[8]. This aesthetic reflects a broader trend towards more vibrant colors in office building design at the time.
Despite its architectural merits, the building faced challenges in maintaining occupancy, particularly during the latter half of the 20th century. Like many downtown buildings, the Stott experienced a decline in tenants during the 1960s, but it managed to remain operational, housing legal professionals and architects[9]. In recent years, the building has undergone renovations, transitioning into a mixed-use development with both office and residential spaces, as well as retail on the first floor[10].
Economy
The initial economic viability of the David Stott Building was quickly threatened by the Great Depression, which began shortly after its completion in 1929[11]. The economic downturn led to financial difficulties for the Stott family, ultimately resulting in the sale of the building just one year after it opened. It was sold for a mere dollar above its $1.3 million mortgage to satisfy a bank judgment. A legal dispute among the Stott’s seven children arose over the decision to build the skyscraper in the face of impending economic uncertainty, but the state Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the decision was not unreasonable given the business climate at the time.
In more recent times, the building was purchased by Dan Gilbert in 2015, signaling a renewed interest in revitalizing the structure[12]. Gilbert’s acquisition initiated plans for a renovation project aimed at transforming the building into a mixed-use development. The current function of the building is office and residential, with retail space on the ground floor[13]. This shift reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic buildings in Detroit’s downtown area to meet contemporary needs.
Getting There
The David Stott Building is readily accessible via several modes of transportation. Being located in the heart of downtown Detroit, it is easily reached by automobile, with various parking garages nearby. Public transportation options include the Detroit People Mover, which has a station within walking distance, and the city’s bus system, with multiple routes serving the area. The building’s central location also makes it walkable from many other downtown attractions, hotels, and businesses.
The proximity to major thoroughfares like Griswold Street and State Street facilitates convenient access for both residents and visitors. The building’s location within the central business district ensures a high level of connectivity to the wider Detroit metropolitan area.
Architecture of Detroit
Downtown Detroit
List of skyscrapers in Detroit