Vinton Building

From Detroit Wiki

The Vinton Building, located at 600 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, Michigan, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural heritage and its history of commercial development. Completed in 1917, the twelve-story structure was originally commissioned by Robert K. Vinton, representing the culmination of his family’s long-standing involvement in Detroit’s building industry. Today, the building operates as a luxury apartment complex, having undergone significant renovation in recent years, while retaining its historical character.

History

The Vinton Building’s origins are deeply rooted in the Vinton Company, a prominent Detroit building contractor founded in 1858 by Walter A. Vinton, Robert K. Vinton’s grandfather [1]. The Vinton Company played a crucial role in shaping Detroit’s early landscape, undertaking the construction of significant landmarks such as the city’s first Opera House in 1869, the Old Wayne County Building in 1902, and Old City Hall in 1871 [2]. Robert K. Vinton, as secretary-treasurer of the company, commissioned the building that bears his name, initially intending for the Vinton Company’s offices to occupy the eleventh floor [3].

Designed by the renowned Detroit architect Albert Kahn, the Vinton Building opened in 1917 [4]. Kahn, already a celebrated figure, had previously collaborated with the Vinton Company on several projects, including the Palms Apartments (1901), the Belle Isle Aquarium and conservatory (1904), and various auto factories for companies like Hudson, Packard, and Hupp [5]. However, by 1925, the building was sold to the Guaranty Trust Co., which renamed it the Guaranty Building [6]. The Guaranty Trust Company faced financial hardship during the Great Depression, leading to a series of ownership changes and name alterations over the subsequent decades, including iterations as the Michigan Bank Building, Rands Building, Citizens Building, American Savings Building, 600 Woodward Building, and the Law Center Building [7].

Geography

The Vinton Building occupies the northeast corner of Woodward Avenue and Congress Street in downtown Detroit [8]. This location places it within the central business district, an area characterized by a high concentration of commercial and residential buildings. The building fills the entirety of its lot, presenting facades on both Woodward Avenue and Congress Street [9]. Its proximity to major thoroughfares facilitates accessibility for residents and visitors.

The building is twelve stories in height and constructed with a steel frame, faced in light grey glazed brick with terra cotta details [10]. The alley façade, in contrast to the street-facing sides, is constructed of common brick. The building’s architectural style is described as Art-and-Crafts-influenced Commercial, with Romanesque-inspired detailing [11].

Culture

The Vinton Building’s architectural design reflects the aesthetic preferences of the early 20th century, blending commercial functionality with artistic ornamentation. The terra cotta spandrel panels, featuring foliage ornament within lozenge outlines, and the arched upper-row windows contribute to the building’s distinctive appearance [12]. The attenuated twisted columns and arcaded cornice further enhance its visual appeal.

The building’s long history and multiple iterations as different financial institutions reflect the economic shifts and transformations experienced by Detroit over the decades [13]. Its eventual conversion into luxury apartments signifies a revitalization effort within the downtown area, catering to a growing demand for urban living. Currently, the building features a bar on the ground floor, adding to the vibrancy of the surrounding neighborhood. The recent renovations aimed to restore the storefront to a more historically accurate appearance [14].

Economy

Originally commissioned as a headquarters for the Vinton Company, a major Detroit building contractor, the Vinton Building quickly became a hub for financial institutions [15]. The Guaranty Trust Company’s acquisition of the building in 1925 marked a period of financial activity, though this was disrupted by the economic challenges of the Great Depression [16]. The building’s subsequent use by various banks and financial entities demonstrates its continued relevance within Detroit’s economic landscape.

In 2013, businessman Dan Gilbert purchased the Vinton Building, initiating a substantial renovation project that commenced in January 2017 [17]. This renovation transformed the building into a luxury apartment complex, with units renting for upwards of $6,000 per month [18]. The addition of a ground-floor bar further contributes to the building’s economic activity and appeal. The building's current function as residential space represents a shift in its economic role, reflecting broader trends in downtown revitalization.

See Also

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