The Buhl Building a majestic presence. Its neo-Gothic style pierces the Detroit skyline. This architectural marvel isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the Buhl brothers’ legacy.
Frederick and Christian Buhl arrived in Detroit in 1833. They started in fur and hats. Eventually they built the Detroit Locomotive Works and the Buhl Iron Works. Their success led to the first Buhl Building in 1868. It stood at Griswold and Congress Streets. It quickly became a Detroit business center.
The original building however was quite small. A third generation of Buhls envisioned something grander. In the 1920s they replaced the original structure. Wirt Rowland a prominent architect designed the current 26-story masterpiece. He incorporated beautiful neo-Gothic and Romanesque elements. Intricate carvings of ram’s heads acanthus leaves and Native American figures adorn the building.
Rowland’s design was ingenious. Modern air conditioning was rare in the 1920s. Electric lighting was less efficient. He cleverly used the cruciform style. This maximized natural light and captured Detroit breezes. It also provided eight corner offices a significant advantage for rental income.
The Buhl Building has witnessed history. It housed prominent law accounting and construction firms. A tragic event occurred in 1982. A man opened fire killing a law clerk and starting a fire. The incident highlighted the building’s vulnerability. The building has since been a symbol of resilience.
In 2017 Bedrock LLC purchased the Buhl Building. They plan to upgrade its features. This iconic landmark continues its role as a hub of finance and commerce. Its history is etched in its stones a constant reminder of Detroit’s past and its bright future. The Buhl Building is more than a building. It is a story of ambition innovation and enduring spirit. A story etched into the very fabric of Detroit’s identity.