Albert Kahn Building

Did the Fisher brothers foresee the Albert Kahn Building’s dual life? Here stands the Albert Kahn Building, once the New Center Building. This striking Art Deco masterpiece opened its doors in 1931, a beacon of hope during the Great Depression. The Fisher brothers, known for their philanthropy and belief in Detroit’s future, commissioned Albert Kahn himself to design this ten-story marvel. It stands diagonally across from its sibling, the majestic Fisher Building, also a Kahn creation. An underground tunnel connects the two, a secret passage between architectural giants. The Albert Kahn Building was designed for offices and retail. Saks Fifth Avenue even graced its ground floor from 1940 to 1980. Imagine stepping into that glamorous space. Kahn didn’t skimp on luxury. He used polished marble for the lobby floors and gleaming brass for the elevator doors. The Albert Kahn Building has seen changes over the years. In 2015, it was sold, along with the Fisher Building, for $12.2 million. The vision? A mixed-use development with offices, retail, residences, and entertainment. Just a few years later, in 2018, another sale and another transformation. This time, the focus shifted to apartments, with over 200 units planned. This grand old building, born from a desire to uplift Detroit, continues to evolve. It stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and the enduring power of great architecture.