Completed in 1963 this skyscraper before us at 211 West Fort Street has some fascinating stories to tell. The 27-story building stands tall. It’s located at the southeast corner of Fort Street and Washington Boulevard.
211 West Fort Street was built for the Detroit Bank and Trust Company. The building was constructed next to the Detroit Trust Company Building. Albert Kahn designed that building in 1915. For years, it was known as the Comerica Building. The bank called this place home until 1993. That’s when they moved to One Detroit Center.
Notice the sculpture in the courtyard. It sits between this building and the Detroit Trust Company Building. The sculpture reflects the bank’s logo from that time.
Harley, Ellington, Cowin & Stirton designed 211 West Fort Street. They used the International style. Tinted windows create a grid pattern. These windows are set into precast concrete frames. The building’s address “211” is displayed on the roofline. You can see it from Windsor, Ontario.
The lobby is a dynamic two-story space. It is wrapped with glass. The north and west sides are recessed. This creates a covered arcade on two sides. Black granite covers the elevator banks and interior walls. Travertine tiles gleam on the floors. Rosetti Architects redesigned the lobby. They brought their signature style to the space.
The site slopes from north to south. This allows for a service entrance and parking garage. You’ll find them at street level facing Congress Street.
211 West Fort Street is owned by Tribus LLC. This is a family-owned office in Grosse Pointe, MI. The building houses several important offices today.
The Detroit Economic Club has its headquarters here. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan also calls this place home. You’ll also find the offices of Visit Detroit and Majorel here. The United States Attorney has an office in the building too.
211 West Fort Street stands 367 feet tall. That’s about 112 meters. It’s the 18th tallest building in Detroit. It comes right after the David Broderick Tower.
So next time you’re looking across the Detroit River from Windsor pay attention to the top of 211 West Fort Street.