Picture the grandeur of the David Whitney House. Its rose-colored South Dakota jasper exterior gleams in the Detroit sun. This isn’t just a building it’s a story whispered on the wind. A testament to the life of lumber baron David Whitney Jr. one of Michigan’s wealthiest men.
The David Whitney House stands proudly at Woodward and Canfield avenues. Completed in 1894 this Romanesque Revival masterpiece cost a staggering $400000. That’s over $14 million today. It showcases the opulence of Detroit’s early elite. Its 22000 square feet hold 52 rooms 10 bathrooms and a mind-boggling 20 fireplaces. Each fireplace unique a testament to Whitney’s lavish tastes.
David Whitney Jr was a self-made man. Born in Massachusetts he moved to Detroit at 27. He built an empire in lumber real estate and shipping. He amassed a fortune exceeding $15 million at his death. His success is etched into the very stones of this magnificent home. He even owned a fleet of steam barges transporting lumber and iron ore across the Great Lakes. His influence permeated Detroit society. He was a key figure in the Detroit Athletic Club. He even built the Grand Circus Park Building in 1885. Later replaced by the even more impressive David Whitney Building designed by Daniel Burnham in 1914.
His first wife Flora died in 1882. He married her sister Sara a year later. It was Sara who influenced the decision to build this palatial residence. She envisioned a home reflecting their wealth and prestige. This home stands as an embodiment of her vision. The Detroit News described her daily visits to the construction site a “picturesque figure” in fashionable attire.
Inside the David Whitney House is an exquisite display of wealth and artistry. Tiffany’s of New York crafted the numerous stained-glass windows. Each window a work of art. The grand hall is a breathtaking space. Its English tile floor forms a Flemish mosaic. The massive staircase with its bronze balustrade is a focal point. A Tiffany window depicting a knight adorns the landing. This was a tribute to the family’s lineage and their connection to English nobility. Hand-carved woodwork rich mahogany and gleaming onyx fireplaces define the rooms. The dining room contains a secret vault which held the family’s valuables. The house even boasted the first residential elevator in Detroit.
After Whitney’s death in 1900 his widow Sara continued to reside there until 1917. Later the Wayne County Medical Society occupied the house. Eventually the Visiting Nurse Association took over in 1957. In 1979 Richard Kughn a Detroit entrepreneur purchased it. He spearheaded a $3 million restoration. In 1986 he opened The Whitney restaurant. It soon gained fame as one of Detroit’s most acclaimed culinary destinations. In 2007 it was sold to Bud Liebler a former Chrysler executive. The David Whitney House’s legacy continues. It has become both a restaurant and a public relations firm. It has endured through changing times. Today it remains a stunning architectural treasure and a captivating piece of Detroit’s history. The David Whitney House stands as a testament to a bygone era of opulence and influence. It also stands as a testament to preservation.