Old Main

Old Main is a substantial brick structure featuring rounded arches and detailed stonework that exemplifies Romanesque Revival design. The building displays thick masonry walls and intricate ornamentation throughout its exterior, making it a visual landmark on campus.

The building opened in 1896 as the city's Central High School, designed by architects Malcomson and Higginbotham for secondary education. It joined Wayne State University's campus in 1926 and received a historical marker in 1958.

The building serves as a central gathering place for academic activities, hosting numerous educational programs and community events throughout its extensive history.

The building stands on Cass Avenue in the heart of the campus and is easy to locate when visiting the university. As an active teaching facility, visitors should plan to visit during standard university operating hours.

The building earned its name from serving as the original administrative center of the institution before it became a university, marking a shift from secondary to higher education. This transformation reflected Detroit's growing role in academic expansion during the early 1900s.

Location: Detroit

Architects: Malcomson and Higginbotham

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.35517,-83.06681

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:47