Book Tower

In the heart of Detroit, the Book Tower stands tall. It’s a testament to a city’s ambition and a family’s vision. The Book brothers, J. Burgess Jr., Herbert, and Frank, envisioned a grand boulevard. They hired Louis Kamper, the architect who had already designed their Book Building in 1917. They wanted something even more magnificent. The Book Tower. Construction began in 1923 on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Grand River Avenue. It reached for the sky, finally topping out in 1926 as Detroit’s tallest building, a 38-story Italian Renaissance masterpiece. The brothers’ dream transformed Washington Boulevard into a fashionable hub. The Book Tower offered fine dining, upscale shops, and coveted office spaces. Imagine the bustle of activity, the clinking of glasses, the deals being struck. The tower’s lobby was a spectacle in itself. It featured a breathtaking three-story rotunda, crowned by a massive art glass dome. This dome, a true work of art, was composed of 6,000 glass panels and 7,000 glittering jewel embellishments. Outside, 29 caryatids, stone sculptures of women, graced the facade, adding a touch of classical elegance. The Book Tower’s reign as the tallest was short-lived, surpassed just two years later by the Penobscot Building. Yet, its impact on Detroit’s skyline remains undeniable. The building has seen its share of ups and downs. After decades of prosperity, it faced decline and vacancy. But, like Detroit itself, the Book Tower has a resilient spirit. In 2015, Bedrock purchased the tower and embarked on an ambitious restoration. They replaced all 2,483 windows, restored the ornate cornice and the caryatids, and painstakingly recreated the lobby’s intricate plaster ceiling. Today, the Book Tower stands revitalized. It’s a symbol of Detroit’s ongoing renaissance. It offers modern amenities while honoring its rich history. The Book Tower is more than just a building; it’s a story etched in stone and glass, a testament to the enduring spirit of Detroit.