Savoyard Center

Deep within the heart of Detroit’s Financial District, the Savoyard Center stands as a testament to a bygone era. The Savoyard Center, originally known as the State Savings Bank, first opened its doors in 1900. It quickly became a symbol of Detroit’s burgeoning financial power. This grand edifice wasn’t simply a place to store money. It was a work of art, designed by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White, the masterminds behind iconic structures across the nation. Stanford White himself, a giant in the world of architecture, lent his genius to the Savoyard Center’s creation. The building’s exterior, crafted from gleaming white marble, exudes an air of timeless elegance. Two massive Ionic columns, each weighing a staggering 56,000 pounds, frame the main entrance. Above, a cartouche proudly displays the Michigan Coat of Arms, flanked by figures representing Industry and Commerce, a nod to the city’s driving forces. Step inside, and you’ll be transported to a world of opulent grandeur. The two-story banking room is a symphony of arches and colonnades, bathed in soft, diffused light filtering through frosted glass. Look up, and you’ll see a coffered ceiling, intricately molded in plaster, a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The Savoyard Center’s story is one of growth and adaptation. In 1907, the State Savings Bank merged with the People’s Savings Bank, forming the People’s State Bank. This expansion necessitated a larger building, and in 1914, the architectural firm Donaldson and Meier seamlessly extended the structure to Congress Street, doubling its size without compromising its original design. A hidden gem lies within the archway over the Congress Street entrance: a mural by American artist Thomas Wilmer Dewing. This allegorical representation of Detroit, flanked by Commerce and Agriculture, offers a glimpse into the city’s aspirations at the turn of the 20th century. The Savoyard Center’s journey continued through the Great Depression, serving as the headquarters of Edsel Ford’s Manufacturer’s National Bank. Later, it was connected by a pedestrian bridge to another Manufacturer’s Bank building across Shelby Street. It wasn’t until the 1980s that its banking days came to an end. Then, it transformed into an office supply showroom. Today, the Savoyard Center, named after the now-underground Savoyard Creek that once flowed nearby, stands as a testament to Detroit’s resilience. It survived threats of demolition and now stands as a proud member of Dan Gilbert’s impressive portfolio of Detroit properties. The Savoyard Center, a symbol of Detroit’s past, continues to inspire awe and wonder in the heart of the city.