Kales Building

The Kales Building, a prominent landmark in downtown Detroit, began as the headquarters for the S.S. Kresge Company, the forerunner of modern-day Kmart. Completed in 1914, the 18-story structure stands as a significant example of Chicago School architecture and represents an early high-rise redevelopment in the city. Its history reflects the growth of retail, the evolution of Detroit’s skyline, and the challenges of urban renewal.

History

The story of the Kales Building is inextricably linked to the success of Sebastian S. Kresge. Kresge opened his first five-and-ten-cent store on Woodward Avenue in 1899, and within a little over a decade, his S.S. Kresge Co. expanded to nearly 100 stores. This rapid growth necessitated a larger headquarters than the space above one of his retail locations could provide. Kresge commissioned Albert Kahn, a famous architect, to design a new building to house his burgeoning company.

Construction began, and in 1914, the Kresge Building opened at Park and Adams streets, overlooking Grand Circus Park. The building was 18 stories tall, with an additional basement level, and encompassed 115,000 square feet of space. It was one of Detroit’s earliest skyscrapers and the tallest structure around Grand Circus Park until the David Whitney Building was completed in 1915. While the building was designed with 18 floors, Kresge only utilized approximately half of the space, renting out the remainder to various small businesses. In 1927, the S.S. Kresge Company moved to a new, Art Deco-style headquarters further along Woodward Avenue, also designed by Albert Kahn. Following the move, the building’s name was changed to the Kales Building, taking advantage of the many ornamental “K”s that adorned the structure from its time as the Kresge Building.

Geography

The Kales Building is located at 76 West Adams in Detroit, Michigan. It occupies a prominent position overlooking Grand Circus Park, a historic park in the heart of the city’s theatre district. The building’s coordinates are 42°20′12″N 83°03′09″W. Grand Circus Park itself is a significant geographical feature, serving as a central gathering place and a visual anchor for the surrounding buildings.

The building’s height reaches 258 feet to the roof. Its location within the Grand Circus Park Historic District places it amongst other architecturally significant structures, contributing to the area’s overall aesthetic and historical importance. The surrounding streets, including Adams, Park, and Woodward Avenue, are major thoroughfares in Detroit, providing access to various commercial and cultural destinations.

Architecture

The Kales Building is an example of the Chicago School of Architecture, characterized by its steel-frame construction and large windows designed to maximize natural light. Albert Kahn incorporated Renaissance Revival and Neo-Classical touches into the building’s façade, creating clean lines and a sense of classical elegance. The original design included the letters “KRESGE” prominently displayed across the top of the tower, which were later changed to “KALES” after the building was renamed.

The building's architectural style reflects the early 20th-century trend of incorporating classical elements into modern skyscraper design. The use of white brick contributes to the building’s visual prominence and provides a contrast to the surrounding structures. The steel-frame infrastructure allowed for the creation of a relatively tall building with large open spaces, a key feature of the Chicago School aesthetic.

Economy

Following Kresge’s departure, the Kales Building primarily housed medical and dental offices. However, like many buildings in downtown Detroit, the Kales Building experienced economic hardship in the 1960s as residents and businesses moved to the suburbs. This led to a decline in tenants and eventually, the building’s closure in 1986 after its utilities were shut off. The building eventually fell into tax foreclosure and came under the ownership of the City of Detroit.

In 2003-2004, the Kales Building underwent an $18 million redevelopment project. This project transformed the building into 120 luxury rental units and included two commercial spaces. The redevelopment revitalized the building and contributed to the ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Detroit. This conversion from office space to residential units reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic buildings to meet changing urban needs.

Current Status

Today, the Kales Building functions as a residential building, offering luxury rental apartments. The building’s restoration and conversion demonstrate a commitment to preserving Detroit’s architectural heritage while adapting to contemporary urban living. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 as part of the Grand Circus Park Historic District.

The building’s revitalization is part of a larger trend of investment and redevelopment in the Grand Circus Park area. The surrounding theaters, entertainment venues, and commercial establishments contribute to a vibrant urban environment. The Kales Building stands as a testament to Detroit’s resilience and its ability to adapt and reinvent itself.

Architecture of Detroit Grand Circus Park Historic District List of skyscrapers in Detroit Albert Kahn Kmart