Checker Cab Building

From horse-drawn carriages to roaring engines, the Checker Cab Building witnessed Detroit’s transformation. This unassuming brick giant on Trumbull Avenue, originally the Detroit Cab Company’s garage and office, holds a special place in the city’s heart. The Checker Cab Building opened its doors in 1927, a symbol of the burgeoning taxi industry. Designed by the Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company, its sturdy frame and red-brown brick facade have stood the test of time. Detroit Cab Company wasn’t just another taxi service; it was a major player. In 1929, Checker Cab Company, a rival, acquired Detroit Cab and moved its headquarters into this very building. The Checker Cab Building became the nerve center of Detroit’s taxi scene. By the late 1930s, Checker dominated the city’s taxi landscape, a testament to its shrewd business moves and the resilience of the Checker Cab Building. The Checker Cab Building wasn’t just a place of business; it mirrored Detroit’s fortunes. It thrived during the city’s boom years, housing up to 900 cabs in 1960 when Detroit’s population reached two million. It weathered the storms of economic downturns, witnessing the city’s struggles in the late 1960s and 1980s. Through it all, the Checker Cab Building remained a constant, a symbol of the city’s grit and determination. Checker finally vacated the building in 2016, but its legacy lives on. The Checker Cab Building has been reborn as part of the Elton Park lofts, a testament to its enduring charm and adaptability. Today, the building stands as a reminder of Detroit’s vibrant past, a testament to its entrepreneurial spirit, and a symbol of its ongoing revitalization.