The Argonaut Building

The Argonaut Building, a Neo-Romanesque landmark in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood, holds a significant place in the history of the automotive industry as the original home of General Motors’ design, engineering, and research departments. Designed by the prominent architect Albert Kahn, the building’s creation and subsequent evolution reflect the growth and innovation of General Motors and the city of Detroit itself. Today, it serves as a center for design education, continuing its legacy of fostering creativity and technological advancement.

History

The Argonaut Building was first designed by Albert Kahn in 1928. Initially known as the General Motors Research Laboratory, it quickly became the hub for the company’s early work in automotive design and engineering. The building’s location across from the then-new General Motors headquarters (now Cadillac Place) underscored its importance to the corporation’s overall operations. It was commissioned by Argonaut Realty, a division of General Motors, but did not officially take on the Argonaut name until after the design and research departments relocated.

The building underwent significant expansion in 1936, growing into its distinctive “L” shape with the addition of a new entrance on Milwaukee Avenue. This expansion facilitated continued innovation, and it was within these walls that key automotive advancements, such as the fully automatic transmission in the early 1930s, and iconic designs like the Chevrolet Corvette (introduced in 1953) were developed. Harley Earl, head of GM’s Art and Color Section (later the Styling Section), utilized the space to exercise his creative talents. In 1956, General Motors moved its research and development operations to the newly constructed GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan, marking the end of the Argonaut Building’s role as the primary center for GM’s technical work. The building remained vacant for several decades after Argonaut Realty departed in 1999.

Geography

The Argonaut Building is situated in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood, specifically on Milwaukee Avenue between Cass and Second Avenues. Its location is directly south of the former General Motors headquarters, now known as Cadillac Place, creating a visual and historical connection between the two structures. The building’s architectural style, a dark red brick Art Deco design with limestone accents, provides a contrast to the stone facades of the adjacent GM headquarters.

The eleven-story building occupies a substantial footprint and features a unique layout resulting from its 1936 expansion. The building’s physical presence contributes to the architectural character of the New Center area, which is known for its concentration of significant historic buildings. A skywalk once connected the Argonaut Building to the GM headquarters on the fifth floor, facilitating communication and collaboration between the two entities.

Culture

During its time as a General Motors research facility, the Argonaut Building fostered a culture of innovation and design excellence. The top floor of the building was specifically designed to showcase automotive displays, including a car-sized lazy Susan used to exhibit new products. Cars were even brought to the roof via freight elevators for photography in natural light, highlighting the importance of visual presentation in the automotive industry. Radio station WJR also had a presence in the building prior to relocating to the Fisher Building.

Following a $145 million redevelopment completed in 2009, the Argonaut Building was reborn as the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education, a facility operated by the College for Creative Studies (CCS). This transformation revitalized the building and established it as a hub for design education, housing CCS advertising and design programs, the Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies, and the headquarters of Shinola, a manufacturer of high-end watches and bicycles. The building’s current use reflects a continuation of its original spirit of creativity and innovation, now focused on educating the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs.

Economy

The Argonaut Building’s initial economic impact stemmed from its role as a central component of General Motors’ research and development operations. The building facilitated advancements in automotive technology and design, contributing to the company’s growth and success. The presence of a Pontiac dealership within the building further contributed to the local economy.

The $145 million redevelopment project in 2009 injected significant capital into the New Center area, creating construction jobs and stimulating economic activity. The current tenants, including the College for Creative Studies, the Henry Ford Academy, and Shinola, provide ongoing economic benefits through employment, education, and manufacturing. Shinola’s presence, in particular, has attracted attention and investment to the New Center neighborhood, contributing to its revitalization. The building’s transformation from a vacant structure to a vibrant center for education and commerce demonstrates its continued economic relevance.

Attractions

While not a traditional tourist attraction, the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education (formerly the Argonaut Building) offers opportunities to experience architectural significance and witness the work of emerging designers. The building itself is a notable example of Art Deco architecture, with its dark red brick facade and limestone accents.

Visitors may be able to view student exhibitions and design projects within the CCS facilities. The Shinola store and factory, located within the building, offer tours and demonstrations of the watch and bicycle manufacturing process. The building’s location in the New Center neighborhood places it near other points of interest, such as the Fisher Building and Cadillac Place, making it a convenient stop for those exploring Detroit’s architectural heritage.

See Also

Cadillac Place New Center Albert Kahn General Motors College for Creative Studies