Remember that time in 2009? The Highland Towers stood tall. It was a luxury apartment building. It had been home to Ford and Chrysler executives. This grand building boasted Art Deco style. It was located in the Highland Heights-Stevens Subdivision. This is a National Historic District.
The Highland Towers opened in 1932. Architects F W Wiedmaier and John B Gay designed it. They also worked on other notable buildings in the area. The Highland Towers featured spacious apartments. These apartments included tin ceilings dark woodwork and Art Deco details. A stained glass window once graced the entrance.
Life in the Highland Towers was luxurious. Valet service was available. Residents enjoyed an underground parking garage. This was possibly the world’s first. A switchboard operator handled phone calls. Amenities included a fine dining hall. Even a rooftop band shell was present. Monthly rent was $180 in the 1930s. This was a considerable sum back then.
Sadly a fire destroyed the Highland Towers in September 2010. It was likely arson. There were no utilities connected to the building at the time. Preservation efforts were too late. The fire left behind a charred shell. The building remains empty. It awaits demolition or reconstruction.
The Highland Towers story is a reminder of Detroit’s past. It reflects the city’s boom and bust cycles. It also highlights the loss of architectural treasures. The legacy of this elegant apartment building lives on in stories and photographs. We can still appreciate its Art Deco charm and unique features. The possibility of its revival remains. The Highland Towers will always be a piece of Detroit history.