“El Tovar? More like El Amazing!” someone exclaimed. That’s how our journey to the El Tovar Apartments begins. Right here on East Grand Boulevard in Detroit. This isn’t just any apartment building. No sir. El Tovar is a masterpiece. A stunning example of Spanish Moorish and Art Deco styles. Built in 1928 by Jacob P and Walter F Sumeracki. The architect Robert J West created a marvel.
Imagine. Orange brick gleaming in the sun. Limestone trim adding elegance. Orange terra cotta accents. A Spanish tile roof. It’s a feast for the eyes. The entrance is majestic. A central pavilion with carved lion figures guarding the way. Above the entrance the name El Tovar is proudly carved into a scroll. Minaret-like towers pierce the skyline. Arched openings. Chimney stack-like projections. Pseudo-flying buttresses. Even stylized crenellations. It’s like stepping into a fairytale.
But El Tovar is more than just a pretty face. It represents a significant change in Detroit. A shift from low-density to higher-density housing. In 1988 Messiah Housing Corporation bought it. They meticulously rehabilitated the apartments. Opening them for Section 8 housing in 1992. This wasn’t just a renovation. It was a revival a chance at a new life for many Detroiters. Messiah Housing also owns nearby Saint Paul Manor Apartments and Kingston Arms Apartments. They share a commitment to providing affordable housing.
The El Tovar Apartments have witnessed Detroit’s history. They have sheltered countless families. Each brick holds a story. Each window a view into lives lived. It’s a building that whispers tales of progress resilience and community. It’s a testament to Detroit’s spirit. A reminder that even in the face of change beauty and history endure. Today it stands as a National Register of Historic Places landmark. A true Detroit icon. So take a moment soak in the beauty. And remember the story of the El Tovar Apartments. A story of architecture history and hope.