Before you stands the United Way Community Services Building. A Detroit landmark. This isn’t just any office building. It’s a testament to Detroit’s architectural prowess and its ever-evolving history.
Completed in 1895 the Service Building was once the tallest in the state. Architects Spier and Rohns designed this 12-story marvel. Imagine the city skyline back then. This building dominated it. The lower floors are brown rusticated stone. The upper floors are a blend of smooth stone and tan brick.
For many years it was known as the Detroit Savings Bank Building. It housed the Detroit Savings Bank which later became Detroit Bank and Trust and eventually Comerica. The building’s grandeur speaks to a time of financial stability and growth in the city. A far cry from some of the hardships Detroit faced later. But the building endured. It survived the economic downturns. It witnessed the city’s resilience.
The United Way occupied the building from 1987 to 2009. It became a hub for charitable work. It supported countless community initiatives. Then in 2013 the Archdiocese of Detroit moved in. They renovated the building. They restored its original cornice. They created a new glass light court. The building continues to serve the city.
Today it stands as a reminder of Detroit’s past present and future. A building that has adapted and thrived. A building that mirrors the city’s spirit. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living story. A story of change innovation and perseverance. The United Way Community Services Building. A true Detroit icon.