Detroit Naval Armory, Art Deco military training facility on Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, United States.
The Detroit Naval Armory is a military training facility in the Art Deco style on Jefferson Avenue, built in 1930 as a training center. The structure is divided into four sections, including a drill hall, vestibule, and office areas featuring geometric patterns and military motifs throughout.
The building was constructed in 1930 and served as a training center for Michigan's naval forces, then as barracks and schools for Navy personnel during World War II. It played a key role in military preparation during this significant period.
The building houses Michigan's largest collection of Depression-era federal artwork, with murals and carvings created through the Works Progress Administration program. These pieces remain visible today and show how art was used to decorate public spaces during economic hardship.
The building is easy to locate on Jefferson Avenue and retains its original architectural features, though it is currently undergoing renovation. Visitors should note that some areas may not be accessible while work continues.
The entrance features specialized Pewabic tiles arranged in naval themes, surrounding a memorial flagpole dedicated to Captain R. Thornton Brodhead. These handcrafted tiles are a rare example of decorative craftsmanship that has survived from the original installation.
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