Triangular and proud the Water Board Building stands. Have you ever wondered why this building has such a peculiar shape? Let me tell you about the Water Board Building.
The Water Board Building is located at 735 Randolph Street. It dominates downtown Detroit. This high-rise office building was completed in 1928. Louis Kamper designed it in the Art Deco style.
Originally, the site was part of East Grand Circus Park. In 1886, part of the land was used for the Metropolitan Police Commission. The Water Board Building occupies the entire block. Randolph, Farmer, and Bates Streets form this block.
The Water Board Building has a five-story base. Above that are 15 floors of office space. A three-story penthouse crowns the building. The original plans called for only 14 stories. However, the high land value led to an increase in height.
A young A.Z. Shmina completed the building in just seven months. He worked for A.W. Kutsche & Co. Initially, the Water Commission occupied only the first eight floors. Other city departments filled the remaining floors. In the 1990s, the Water Board Commission became the sole tenant.
The penthouse exterior features painted terra cotta. The rest of the building is faced in Bedford limestone. Marble and bands of pink and gray granite add to the base.
Inside the Water Board Building is a grand lobby. Louis Grell painted a large mural on the ceiling. The mural depicts Neptune and Detroit history. Grell also created murals in the board room.
The Common Council allocated $1 million for this building. It was during the 1927-28 city budget. The architect, Louis Kamper, also designed the Book Building and the Book-Cadillac Hotel. The Board decided to build a twenty-story building due to the high value of the site.
The completed Water Board Building reflects the Jazz Age. Its simplified forms are typical of that era. The total cost was $1,768,760.20. This included the land and the architect’s commission. It was one of Kamper’s last designs.
The building was state-of-the-art and fireproof for 1928 standards. The Department initially occupied only the first eight floors. The upper floors housed other city departments.
The fifth-floor boardroom is opulent. It has floor-to-ceiling walnut paneling. Mahogany pillars support paneled beams. These pillars frame the conference table. Small ceiling murals enhance the dignified aura.
Above the conference table is a bald eagle. It symbolizes the United States. A lion represents strength and courage. A heraldic bear symbolizes ferocity and strength.
The building once had an employee. Their job was to polish bright work. This included sconces, brass elevator doors, and Art Deco trimming.
The customer service center is awash in cream-colored marble. Two stories above, a mural depicts Neptune. It also shows Cadillac’s landing and the Battle of Lake Erie.
The hydraulic freight elevator was originally connected to the city’s water mains. It was upgraded in 1982. The Randolph side of the basement parking extends into the street.
Marble surrounds the Randolph Street entrance. A band of pink and gray granite encircles the building’s base. The two-tone appearance sets it apart. The Water Board Building distinguishes itself in Detroit’s skyline. So, the next time you pass by, remember the history. Remember the art. Remember the Water Board Building.