Soaring high above Detroit’s bustling streets stands the David Stott Building. A true testament to the Art Deco era this architectural marvel commands attention.
The David Stott Building is more than just a skyscraper. It’s a tribute to David E. Stott a prominent businessman. He owned the David Stott Flour Mills and sat on numerous corporate boards. His legacy lives on in this magnificent structure. The building wasn’t completed until 1929. That was twelve years after Stott’s death in 1916.
Construction started on June 1 1928. The project cost a staggering $3.5 million. That’s equivalent to almost $50 million today. The David Stott Building was the last skyscraper built in Detroit before the Great Depression. All major construction came to a standstill. The city wouldn’t see another skyscraper for quite some time.
Designed by John M. Donaldson of Donaldson and Meier the building embodies the Art Deco style. Its strong vertical lines and relatively small footprint create a slender profile. The building uses reddish granite at its base. Buff-colored brick marble and limestone form the rest of the exterior. Sculptures by Corrado Parducci add to its beauty. These are found throughout the building. The David Stott Building is 38 stories tall with three additional underground levels. Upon its opening it was the fourth tallest building in downtown Detroit.
Its history isn’t without its ups and downs. After closing in 2010 the building changed hands several times. It finally underwent a complete renovation. It was converted into a mixed-use development with apartments and commercial spaces.
Today the David Stott Building stands as a symbol of Detroit’s resilience. A beautiful example of Art Deco architecture it continues to shape the city’s skyline. The David Stott Building’s story reminds us of a bygone era. It also speaks to the enduring spirit of Detroit. Take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of this architectural masterpiece. Let its story inspire you.