United Way Community Services Building, 12-floor architectural structure in downtown Detroit, Michigan, US
The United Way Community Services Building is a 12-story structure featuring brown stone on its lower sections and tan brick on upper levels. Granite pilasters frame the main entrance, and after a 2015 renovation it combines office spaces with residential units.
Built in 1895 by architects Spier & Rohns, it was Michigan's tallest building and Detroit's first steel-skeleton skyscraper at that time. This structure marked a turning point in the city's approach to tall building construction.
The structure originally functioned as a bank headquarters and now houses community service operations that support residents. Its transformation shows how older buildings can take on new roles to serve social needs in the downtown area.
The building sits at the corner of Griswold Street and State Street in downtown Detroit. The downtown location makes it easy to access and integrate into a wider walking tour of the area.
The light court spanning floors five through twelve received a glass enclosure and peaked roof in 1988. This addition created new office space above the main entrance while opening up the interior in an unexpected way.
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