Park Avenue Building, Office skyscraper in Downtown Detroit, United States
The Park Avenue Building is a 12-story office tower featuring Beaux-Arts architecture located in downtown Detroit. A central light court runs from the roof down to the third floor, distributing natural light throughout the interior spaces.
Albert Kahn designed this building in 1922 for the Absopure Coal Company, originally calling it the General Necessities Building. The structure evolved through different business uses over the following decades while maintaining its role as a commercial center.
The building served as a working hub for numerous companies throughout its history, housing offices and businesses that shaped Detroit's economic life. Its design reflects the needs and expectations of early 20th-century office workers seeking efficient, well-lit work environments.
The building is located in an accessible downtown area served by public transportation. Visitors should note that ongoing redevelopment work may limit interior access depending on the construction phase.
The building's light court system was an innovative way to bring daylight into interior office spaces without relying solely on electric lighting. This design approach was characteristic of 1920s office architecture and shows how architects prioritized natural illumination for worker productivity.
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