The Motor City

Detroit architecture

Detroit is the only major U.S. city where you must travel south to enter Canada, crossing into Windsor, Ontario. Known as the 'Motor City,' it revolutionized the modern world through the automotive industry and the 'Motown Sound' that defined a generation of American music.

31Landmarks
1891Oldest · Wright-Kay Building
221 mTallest · Renaissance Center
21Architects

First National Building
Packard Automotive Plant
One Kennedy Square

Before you go

Fly intoDetroit Metro (DTW)
The McNamara Terminal features a world-famous 700-foot underground tunnel that uses synchronized LED lights and an original soundscape to entertain travelers. It is a major international gateway for Delta Air Lines, frequently serving as a primary hub for flights to Asia and Europe.
CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish
The local dialect is sometimes called the 'Michigan Mush,' noted for its nasal vowels and the use of glottal stops that make 't' sounds in the middle of words disappear. It is a friendly, gritty, and soulful way of speaking that mirrors the city's resilient character.
Getting aroundPeople Mover & QLine
The People Mover is an automated rail system that moves in a continuous loop around the downtown core. The QLine streetcar services the historic Woodward Avenue corridor with modern, battery-capable vehicles. Regional SMART buses connect the city center to the surrounding tri-county suburban areas.

31 landmarks in Detroit

Apple Downtown Detroit

1430 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

This flagship store serves as Apple’s first major retail presence in the heart of the 'Motor City.' The project is a significant adaptive reuse effort that transformed three historic storefronts into a modern technology hub. Its design features a massive custom glass facade that offers a transparent view into the expansive double-height interior volume. The store pays tribute to Detroit's innovative spirit by hosting a localized curriculum focused on art, design, and music. It successfully merges the city’s industrial heritage with a clean, contemporary aesthetic that complements the neighboring Shinola Hotel.

Built
2025
Architect
Foster + Partners
Style
Contemporary / Adaptive Reuse
Height
9 m (30 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Retail Flagship
Photo: Mikerussell at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

First National Building

660 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

This neoclassical skyscraper was designed with a unique 'U' shape to provide every office with access to natural light. Its grand facade is finished in Bedford limestone and is famously adorned with massive Corinthian columns. Originally serving as the headquarters for the First National Bank, it remains a vital anchor of the Woodward Avenue streetscape. The building stands as a testament to the early 20th-century economic boom that transformed the city's downtown core. Today, it serves as a bustling mixed-use hub housing high-profile offices and popular ground-floor dining options.

Built
1922
Architect
Albert Kahn
Style
Neoclassical
Height
104 m (341 ft)
Stories
26
Today
Mixed-use
The Z Garage

1234 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226

The Z is a zig-zagging parking structure that famously doubles as a world-class public art gallery. Its distinctive shape was a creative architectural solution designed to maximize the utility of a tight corner lot. The structure is most famous for 'The Belt,' a public alleyway that features massive murals by international street artists. This project proves that even functional urban infrastructure can be elevated through high-end artistic design. It has become a central social landmark in Detroit, bridging the gap between utilitarian parking and cultural destination.

Built
2014
Architect
Neumann/Smith Architecture
Style
Contemporary
Height
32 m (105 ft)
Stories
10
Today
Parking / Art Gallery
Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Packard Automotive Plant

1580 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48211

This facility represented the first industrial application of reinforced concrete, a method later known as the 'Kahn System.' The innovative structural design allowed for massive open floor plans and expansive windows that improved factory safety. While it eventually became the world's most famous industrial ruin, its structural skeleton remains a symbol of Detroit's engineering prowess. Much of the site was demolished in 2024, yet parts remain as a historic testament to the city's automotive legacy. The remaining structures are currently slated for future redevelopment to preserve their important role in American industrial history.

Built
1903
Architect
Albert Kahn
Style
Industrial
Height
18 m (59 ft)
Stories
4
Today
Historical Site / Future Redevelopment
Photo: The original uploader was Mikerussell at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One Kennedy Square

777 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

This building stands as a primary symbol of Detroit's downtown revitalization efforts during the early 2000s. It is easily recognized by its vibrant emerald-green glass curtain wall that faces Campus Martius Park. A unique engineering feat, the entire 13-story office building sits directly on top of a 10-story underground parking garage. The design was intended to provide a modern and transparent contrast to the heavy stone skyscrapers surrounding it. It serves as a central hub for corporate offices and offers prime views of the city's most active public square.

Built
2006
Architect
S. Tapubyon Architects
Style
Contemporary
Height
56 m (184 ft)
Stories
13
Today
Office
Photo: Matt Joseph, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

McGregor Memorial Conference Center

495 West Ferry Mall, Detroit, MI 48202

Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, this building is a world-renowned masterpiece of the 'New Formalism' architectural style. The structure features a stunning skylit garden court and is surrounded by a peaceful reflective pool. Its white quartz and marble facade utilizes repeating geometric shapes to create a sense of profound serenity. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful examples of mid-century modern design in the United States. Located on the Wayne State campus, it continues to serve as an elegant venue for conferences and university events.

Built
1958
Architect
Minoru Yamasaki
Style
New Formalism
Height
12 m (39 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Conference Center
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. DavidYax assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Book Tower

1265 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

The Book Tower is one of Detroit's most eccentric skyscrapers, famous for its intensive Italian Renaissance ornamentation. Its distinct copper roof has oxidized over time to a vibrant green, making it a staple of the city skyline. After years of abandonment, the building recently reopened following a massive $400 million restoration project. This restoration preserved the building's stunning three-story rotunda and its intricate stained-glass atrium. Today, the historic tower has been reimagined as a luxury hotel and residential complex with high-end dining options.

Built
1926
Architect
Louis Kamper
Style
Italian Renaissance
Height
145 m (476 ft)
Stories
38
Today
Hotel/Residential
Photo: Crisco 1492, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Renaissance Center

400 Renaissance Dr, Detroit, MI 48243

Often described as a 'city within a city,' this complex consists of seven interconnected skyscrapers along the riverfront. The central tower is the tallest building in Michigan and houses the world's tallest all-hotel skyscraper. Originally designed to revitalize the waterfront, it serves as the global headquarters for General Motors. Massive renovations in the early 2000s removed concrete barriers to make the complex more integrated with the city streets. It remains the most iconic silhouette in the Detroit skyline and a hub for international business and tourism.

Built
1977
Architect
John Portman
Style
Modernist
Height
221 m (725 ft)
Stories
73
Today
Global HQ (GM)
Photo: TheWxResearcher, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hudson's Detroit

1208 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Built on the hallowed ground of the former J.L. Hudson Department Store, this contemporary giant is a symbol of Detroit's 21st-century rebirth. The tower features a sleek tapered design and a unique stepped facade that defines the modern skyline. Residents and visitors enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Detroit River and the neighboring Canadian shoreline. It currently stands as the second-tallest building in the state of Michigan behind the Renaissance Center. This massive mixed-use development serves as a beacon of the city's ongoing economic and architectural transformation.

Built
2024
Architect
SHoP Architects
Style
Contemporary
Height
208 m (682 ft)
Stories
49
Today
Mixed-use
Photo: WMrapids, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Guardian Building

500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

Known worldwide as the Cathedral of Finance, this building is a masterpiece of Mayan Revival and Art Deco styles. Its breathtaking lobby is a riot of color featuring interlocking tiles and intricate Pewabic pottery. A massive mural of Michigan serves as the artistic centerpiece of the grand banking hall. The structure was meticulously built using nearly 2 million custom orange Guardian bricks. Remarkably, the upper arches of this architectural marvel contain no structural steel for support.

Built
1929
Architect
Wirt C. Rowland
Style
Art Deco
Height
151 m (495 ft)
Stories
40
Today
Office
Photo: WMrapids, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Michigan Central

2001 15th St, Detroit, MI 48216

Once the tallest rail station in the world, this Beaux-Arts landmark sat abandoned for three decades before its recent revival. The Ford Motor Company acquired and meticulously restored the structure to serve as a modern technology hub. Its grand waiting room features soaring Guastavino tile arches and massive, majestic limestone columns. The building now serves as the primary anchor for a 30-acre mobility and innovation campus. This restoration is widely regarded as a pivotal turning point for the historic Corktown neighborhood.

Built
1913
Architect
Warren & Wetmore
Style
Beaux-Arts
Height
70 m (230 ft)
Stories
18
Today
Tech Hub
Photo: WMrapids, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ally Detroit Center

500 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

As a prominent highlight of Detroit's postmodern skyline, this building is famous for its distinct neo-Gothic spires. It was designed by the legendary architect Philip Johnson and features a facade composed of sophisticated granite. The broken-pediment top provides a unique silhouette that is easily recognized from across the river. Upon its completion in 1993, it stood as the tallest office building in the entire state of Michigan. Today, it serves as the vibrant corporate headquarters for Ally Financial in the heart of the financial district.

Built
1993
Architect
Philip Johnson / Burgee
Style
Postmodern
Height
189 m (620 ft)
Stories
43
Today
Ally HQ
Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fisher Building

3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

Often referred to as Detroit's Largest Art Object, the Fisher Building was funded by the wealthy Fisher brothers. The stunning interior arcade is lined with forty different types of marble and exquisite gold leaf detailing. Its grand gilded roof was originally covered in real gold leaf before being altered during World War II. Designers opted for green terra cotta during the war to avoid the building becoming a target for pilots. This Art Deco jewel remains one of the most prestigious office and theater addresses in the city.

Built
1928
Architect
Albert Kahn
Style
Art Deco
Height
135 m (443 ft)
Stories
30
Today
Theater/Office
Photo: JJonahJackalope, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fox Theatre

2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

The Fox Theatre is one of the most spectacular movie palaces ever built, featuring a unique Siamese Byzantine style. Its breathtaking interior is a rich blend of Burmese, Indian, and Persian motifs. The lobby is famous for its blood-red columns, golden lions, and a massive crystal chandelier. It holds the historic distinction of being the first theater designed with a built-in speaker system for talkies. Today, it remains the crown jewel of Detroit's entertainment district and hosts world-class performances.

Built
1928
Architect
C. Howard Crane
Style
Siamese Byzantine
Height
52 m (171 ft)
Stories
10
Today
Performing Arts Center
Photo: WMrapids, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Penobscot Building

645 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

For over forty years, this impressive structure held the title of the tallest building in the city of Detroit. It is a premier example of Art Deco design and features a distinct H-shape for maximum natural light. A glowing red orb at its peak once served as a vital navigational beacon for early pilots. The exterior is beautifully adorned with motifs that honor the heritage of the Penobscot Native American tribe. Inside, the lobby is clad in rare marbles and detailed brass that reflects the city's former financial dominance.

Built
1928
Architect
Wirt C. Rowland
Style
Art Deco
Height
172 m (564 ft)
Stories
47
Today
Office / Retail
Photo: Sailko, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)

5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Often called a Temple of Art in the Beaux-Arts style, the DIA is famous for its white marble facade. The central courtyard contains Diego Rivera’s massive and world-renowned Detroit Industry murals. The building was designed to be an educational journey with galleries arranged in a chronological sequence. It remains one of the most significant and highest-rated art museums in the United States today. This cultural anchor serves as the centerpiece of the city's thriving Midtown district.

Built
1927
Architect
Paul Philippe Cret
Style
Beaux-Arts / Italian Renaissance
Height
20 m (66 ft)
Stories
3
Today
Museum
Photo: Historic American Buildings Survey, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

General Motors Building (Cadillac Place)

3044 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

Designed by Albert Kahn to be the largest office building in the world at the time, this massive Neoclassical structure is legendary. It served as the global headquarters for General Motors for seventy-five years before the company moved to the Renaissance Center. The design consists of four parallel fifteen-story wings connected by a central spine to ensure every office has a window. Its limestone exterior and Corinthian colonnade symbolize the immense power of the American auto industry during the 1920s. Today, the building has been renamed Cadillac Place and primarily houses various State of Michigan government offices.

Built
1923
Architect
Albert Kahn
Style
Neoclassical
Height
67 m (220 ft)
Stories
15
Today
Government Offices
Masonic Temple

500 Temple St, Detroit, MI 48201

As the largest Masonic Temple in the world, this Gothic Revival fortress contains over one thousand individual rooms. The massive complex includes three distinct theaters, several grand ballrooms, and a full-sized cathedral. The building is unique for its staggered floor levels and a labyrinth of secret passages hidden within the walls. Its intricate stone carvings and limestone facade make it look like a medieval castle transported to modern Detroit. It currently serves as one of the premier concert and event venues in the entire Midwest region.

Built
1926
Architect
George D. Mason
Style
Gothic Revival
Height
64 m (210 ft)
Stories
14
Today
Concert Venue / Event Space
Photo: LafayetteTowers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lafayette Towers

1301 Orleans St, Detroit, MI 48207

Designed by the legendary Mies van der Rohe, these twin residential towers are a landmark of the International Style. Built as part of an ambitious urban renewal project, they feature sleek curtain wall glass facades and aluminum frames. The towers sit within a beautifully landscaped park to embody the famous Tower in a Park urban philosophy. This minimalist approach to residential living influenced city planning and modern architecture on a global scale. They remain a highly desirable residential address for those seeking mid-century modern aesthetics in downtown Detroit.

Built
1963
Architect
Mies van der Rohe
Style
International Style
Height
62 m (203 ft)
Stories
22
Today
Residential
Photo: Einar Einarsson Kvara aka Carptrash, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

David Stott Building

1150 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

One of the narrowest skyscrapers in Detroit, the David Stott is a classic example of the early twentieth-century setback style. Its reddish-orange brick and terra cotta exterior lead up to a beautiful Art Deco tiered peak. The building was originally designed to meet 1920s zoning laws that required towers to allow light to reach the street. It recently underwent a major restoration to become luxury apartments after sitting vacant for many years. This revival saved a building that was once a tragic symbol of the city's mid-century economic decline.

Built
1929
Architect
Donaldson and Meier
Style
Art Deco
Height
133 m (436 ft)
Stories
38
Today
Residential
Photo: JJonahJackalope, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

David Whitney Building

1553 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

This Neo-Renaissance gem is located at a prominent bend in Woodward Avenue right across from Grand Circus Park. While its exterior is simple and dignified, the interior features a stunning four-story gold-leafed atrium. A massive skylight floods the grand lobby with light, highlighting the intricate terracotta and marble details. Originally built to house medical offices, it has been meticulously restored into a high-end hotel and residential complex. It now serves as a luxurious gateway to the city's entertainment district and the QLine transit system.

Built
1915
Architect
Daniel Burnham
Style
Neo-Renaissance
Height
77 m (253 ft)
Stories
19
Today
Hotel / Residential
Photo: Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Westin Book Cadillac

1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

When it opened in 1924, this was famously the tallest hotel in the world. It served as the peak of Detroit's luxury during the Roaring Twenties, featuring three grand ballrooms and elegant Italian Renaissance styling. After sitting vacant for over 20 years, the tower became a somber symbol of the city's urban decay. Its massive $200 million restoration and reopening in 2008 marked a significant turning point for the downtown area's revival. Today, it remains one of the city's premier destinations for high-end lodging and luxury residential living.

Built
1924
Architect
Louis Kamper
Style
Italian Renaissance / Neoclassical
Height
106 m (348 ft)
Stories
33
Today
Hotel / Condos
Photo: Mikerussell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Buhl Building

535 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

The Buhl Building is renowned for its unique cruciform 'cross' plan view which optimizes natural light for every office. This architectural choice was a clever engineering solution for high-rises in the era before modern air conditioning. The facade is a masterful blend of Neo-Gothic and Romanesque styles featuring intricate terra cotta craftsmanship. Visitors are often drawn to the historic 'Buhl Bar' located within the lobby's ornate interior. It stands as one of the most sophisticated examples of the early skyscraper boom in Detroit's financial district.

Built
1925
Architect
Wirt C. Rowland
Style
Neo-Gothic / Romanesque
Height
112 m (367 ft)
Stories
27
Today
Office
Photo: Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Detroit Public Library (Main)

5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

This landmark building serves as an Italian Renaissance palace dedicated to literature and public knowledge. Its exterior is clad in white Vermont marble and features relief carvings depicting world-famous authors. Inside, the grand staircase leads to the magnificent Adam Strohm Hall with its soaring ceilings. The interior is further decorated with massive murals and stained glass that celebrate the history of Michigan and transportation. Located in the Cultural Center, it stands directly across from the Detroit Institute of Arts as a pillar of the community.

Built
1921
Architect
Cass Gilbert
Style
Italian Renaissance
Height
24 m (79 ft)
Stories
3
Today
Library
Photo: Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Vinton Building

600 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Designed by the legendary Albert Kahn, the Vinton Building is a slender and elegant example of the 'Sullivanesque' style. It is highly prized by architectural historians for its pristine white terra cotta facade and delicate floral patterns. Although it is smaller than Detroit's massive skyscrapers, its neoclassical proportions give it a commanding presence on Woodward Avenue. The building was originally constructed for the Vinton Company and has been meticulously preserved over the decades. It has recently found new life as luxury condominiums while maintaining its early 20th-century commercial charm.

Built
1917
Architect
Albert Kahn
Style
Sullivanesque / Neoclassical
Height
52 m (171 ft)
Stories
12
Today
Luxury Condos
Photo: Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cadillac Tower

65 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI 48226

This 40-story Neo-Gothic skyscraper was once the tallest building in the world outside of New York and Chicago. It remains a prominent landmark in the Detroit skyline thanks to its tiered setbacks and decorative peak. For many years, the building's side was famous for hosting a massive mural of Detroit Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman. Its 'high-waisted' design is typical of early skyscrapers that sought to maximize height while adhering to light and air regulations. Today, the tower serves as a hub for various government offices and retail spaces in the heart of the city.

Built
1927
Architect
Louis Kamper
Style
Neo-Gothic
Height
133 m (436 ft)
Stories
40
Today
Office / Government
Photo: Mike Russell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fort Shelby Hotel

525 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

The hotel was built upon the historic site of Fort Shelby and was designed to accommodate Detroit’s thriving rail travelers. It features a grand architectural mix of Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical influences that were popular in the early 1900s. A 22-story addition completed in the late 1920s transformed the hotel into a major anchor for the west-side downtown area. After surviving a long period of closure and neglect, the property underwent a total renovation to become a modern Hilton suites hotel. It remains a significant example of Albert Kahn's versatility in designing luxury hospitality spaces.

Built
1917
Architect
Albert Kahn
Style
Beaux-Arts
Height
74 m (243 ft)
Stories
22
Today
Hotel / Apartments
Photo: Mikerussell at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

United Artists Theatre Building

150 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48226

This Spanish Gothic skyscraper originally housed one of the most opulent movie palaces in the United States. The building is particularly famous among enthusiasts for its circular lobby and elaborate stone carvings on the facade. Although the historic theater auditorium was unfortunately demolished, the towering office section has been preserved. Recent redevelopment has converted the interior into luxury residential apartments known as The Residences @ 150 Bagley. The iconic 'UA' signage remains a visible reminder of Detroit’s golden age of cinema and entertainment.

Built
1928
Architect
C. Howard Crane
Style
Spanish Gothic
Height
70 m (230 ft)
Stories
18
Today
Residential
Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Fillmore Detroit

2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Originally opening as the State Theatre, this building stands as a premier example of Renaissance Revival architecture in the entertainment district. It features a unique 'L' shaped lobby designed to lead patrons from Woodward Avenue into the grand theater hall. The interior is filled with masterfully crafted plasterwork and a grand atmosphere that evokes the early 20th-century movie-going experience. Over the years, the venue has transitioned from a cinema house to a legendary concert hall hosting world-class performers. It continues to be a vibrant part of the city's nightlife and cultural heritage today.

Built
1925
Architect
C. Howard Crane
Style
Renaissance Revival
Height
50 m (164 ft)
Stories
12
Today
Concert Venue
Photo: Blob4000 at English Wikipedia Later versions were uploaded by FuriousFreddy at en.wikipedia., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A.)

2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208

This humble residential structure serves as the birthplace of the globally recognized Motown Sound. Founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959, the former photography studio was quickly converted into a legendary hit-making machine. The building's iconic 'Hitsville U.S.A.' sign still hangs proudly over the front porch of the world-famous Studio A. Inside these walls, music legends like Stevie Wonder and The Supremes recorded the tracks that defined a generation. It remains a premier global pilgrimage site for music lovers and is preserved exactly as it appeared during the 1960s.

Built
1959
Architect
Unknown (Residential Adaptive Reuse)
Style
Vernacular / American Foursquare
Height
9 m (30 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Museum / Historical Site
Photo: JJonahJackalope, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wright-Kay Building

1500 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Originally known as the Schwankovsky Temple of Music, this structure remains one of Detroit’s most picturesque Victorian landmarks. It is easily identified by its massive corner turret and rich, dark red brickwork that exemplifies the Queen Anne style. During its early years, musicians would perform from the upper floors so their melodies would drift down to shoppers on Woodward Avenue. The building's high-pitched roof and ornate stonework reflect the architectural sophistication of Detroit's late 19th-century boom. Today, it houses the award-winning restaurant Wright & Co. on its second floor, continuing its legacy as a center of city life.

Built
1891
Architect
Gordon W. Lloyd
Style
Queen Anne / Romanesque Revival
Height
25 m (82 ft)
Stories
6
Today
Mixed-use / Retail