Harmonie Centre

Harmonie Centre is an eight-story Beaux-Arts commercial building located at the intersection of Broadway and Gratiot in downtown Detroit. Its symmetrical facade features terra cotta ornaments and classical details that give the structure its distinctive character.

The building was constructed in 1906 for John Breitmeyer Sons Florists and became one of the first downtown structures to welcome African American professionals into office spaces. This shift reflected broader changes happening in Detroit's business landscape during the early twentieth century.

The building housed important organizations like the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and played a role in Detroit's civil rights movement. It was one of the first places downtown where African American professionals could rent office space.

The building sits at a central location that connects the Grand Circus area with the Greektown neighborhood through its ground-floor shops. Visitors can easily walk through this section and explore the surrounding districts on foot.

The original owner Philip Breitmeyer served as Detroit's mayor from 1909 to 1911 while simultaneously operating his family's leading florist business. This unusual blend of public office and private enterprise shaped the building's story.

Location: Detroit

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Part of: Broadway Avenue Historic District

GPS coordinates: 42.33500,-83.04583

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:42