The , designated a
National Historic Landmark on June 29, 1989, is a skyscraper in downtown
Detroit ,
Michigan . Built in
1928 and finished in
1929 , the building was originally called the '''Union Trust Building''' and is a bold example of
Art Deco architecture, including
Art Moderne designs. At the top of the Guardian Building's spire, is a huge
American Flag , similar to the four smaller flags sitting atop nearby
150 West Jefferson . The building has undergone recent award-winning renovations.
The main frame of the
Skyscraper rises 36 stories, capped by two asymmetric
Spire s, one extending for four additional stories. The height of the building is 489 feet (149 m). The exterior blends
Brickwork with
Tile ,
Limestone , and
Terra Cotta . Nicknamed the "Cathedral of Finance," the building's interior is lavishly decorated with mosaic and
Pewabic and
Rookwood tile.
Native American themes are common inside and outside the building.
Wirt C. Rowland , of the
Smith Hinchman & Grylls firm, was the building's architect while
Corrado Parducci created the two sculptures flanking the Griswold Street entrance. Col. Frank Hecker and Michigan Senator
James McMillan were both founders of the Union Trust which built the Guardian. During
World War II , the Guardian Building served as the U.S Army Command Center for war time production with Detroit being called the "''
Arsenal Of Democracy ''."Zacharias, Pat (compiled).
Guardian Building has long been the crown jewel in the Detroit skyline . Rearview Mirror, ''Detroit News''. Retrieved on July 19, 2007. The Guardian served various tenants as an office building in downtown and was restored in 1986.
On July 18th, Wayne County Executive
Robert Ficano announced it has entered into an agreement with current owners to purchase the Guardian Building to relocate its offices from the
Wayne County Building . The reported purchase price is 14.5 million dollars.
The deal is reportedly part of a larger deal worth 30 million in real estate purchases in downtown Detroit. All transactions must be approved by the
Wayne County Commission . This purchase would commence when the County's lease on their current home expires next year. Gallager, John. ''Detroit Free Press''.
"Wayne Co. to buy Guardian Building for $14.5 million" . Retrieved on July 18, 2007.Snell, Robert. ''Detroit News''.
"Ficano wants to buy Guardian Building and nearby parking deck" . Retrieved on July 18, 2007.
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- Kvaran, Einar Einarsson, ''Shadowing Parducci'', unpublished manuscript, Detroit.
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