Is it possible for red brick and stone trim to whisper tales of Detroit’s past? Standing before the Alden Park Towers, I invite you to listen closely. This isn’t just a building. It is a landmark. It is a testament to Detroit’s architectural heritage.
The Alden Park Towers, now known as Alden Towers, is located at 8100 East Jefferson Avenue. These towers stand proudly along Detroit’s Gold Coast. The Alden Park Towers were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Originally known as the Berman Apartments, the Alden Park Towers were built in 1922. They were strategically placed south of Jefferson to capture the Detroit River’s beauty. The Alden Park Towers was one of Detroit’s few large apartment complexes.
Architect Edwin Rorke designed the Alden Park Towers in the Tudor Revival style. The complex comprises four eight-story buildings. Red brick and stone trim adorn each structure. Projecting bay windows grace the exterior. They extend from the ground to the roof. Crenellated limestone at the roofline sets these apartments apart.
The Alden Park Towers’ first story once housed commercial services. There was a grocery store and a laundry. Imagine residents bustling about their daily errands.
The Alden Park Towers originally held 352 apartments. Today, there are 389 units.
In 2012, Triton Properties acquired the Alden Park Towers out of foreclosure. They began a $5 million renovation project. The renovation included a grand lobby with a fireplace. A new fitness center was added. Free Wi-Fi was installed throughout the building. Sharon Carlile of Royal Oak’s Italmoda assisted in designing the grand lobby. It now mimics a modern boutique hotel. The riverfront also underwent major renovations. The renovation work was completed in early 2015.
The Alden Park Towers has seen many changes. It has survived financial challenges. It continues to be a residential icon on Detroit’s Gold Coast.
As you gaze upon the Alden Park Towers, remember its history. Remember its resilience. The Alden Park Towers remains a symbol of Detroit’s enduring spirit.