Lee Plaza

Lee Plaza is a 16-story residential building in Art Deco style on West Grand Boulevard featuring orange-glazed brick facade and terracotta sculptures. The structure combines Mediterranean architectural details with elaborate interior finishes throughout.

Ralph T. Lee commissioned this residential complex in 1927 at the peak of Detroit's economic expansion. The ambitious project was completed just before the Great Depression, which would transform the city's future.

The grand lobby showcases peacock-inspired ornamentation with blue, gold, and green coffered ceilings above Italian marble and walnut paneling. This lavish interior reflects how residents viewed the building as a marker of their social standing.

The building was designed as a luxury residential complex with 220 apartments, each with daily cleaning service and access to on-site shops and recreation facilities. Visitors should note that interior access may be limited and exterior viewing is often the primary option.

Each apartment featured a Servidor, a specialized cabinet system designed for dry cleaning services without direct contact between residents and staff. This innovative feature shows how Art Deco luxury buildings prioritized privacy for their affluent residents.