Penobscot Building

The Penobscot Building is an office tower in Detroit's Financial District with an H-shaped design that allows natural light to reach interior spaces. Its facade combines limestone cladding with a granite base, and it contains 47 stories plus two basement levels.

The building was completed in 1928 and ranked as the eighth tallest structure in the world at that time. It held the title of Michigan's highest building until another skyscraper surpassed it in 1977.

Native American motifs appear throughout the building's exterior in carved limestone details and sculptural elements created by artist Corrado Parducci. These decorative features give the structure a distinctive visual character that visitors notice when looking at the facade.

The tower is easy to spot from outside and sits in the heart of the Financial District where it is accessible from nearby streets. Visitors should note that the interior is primarily office space not designed for public tours through the building.

A red orb about 4 meters in diameter sits atop the building and serves as an aviation beacon for aircraft. When it glows at night, it remains visible from considerable distances and makes the structure a notable landmark in the skyline.

Location: Detroit

Inception: 1905

Architects: Donaldson and Meier

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Floors above the ground: 13

Elevators: 5

Height: 202.4 m

Part of: Detroit Financial District

Address: 131 West Fort Street

GPS coordinates: 42.33014,-83.04811

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43