Detroit-Columbia Central Office Building

The Detroit-Columbia Central Office Building is a three-story Art Deco office building in Midtown Detroit. Its facade features limestone on the ground floor and light brown brick above, divided into six bays by five vertical pilasters.

This structure was commissioned by Michigan Bell Telephone Company in 1927 to serve as a new telecommunications hub. SmithGroup designed it to support the expanding telephone network that was transforming communication in Detroit.

This building shows how telephone systems changed in Detroit over time. The design reflects the shift from manual switchboards to automated dialing technology that served thousands of customers.

The interior contains specialized spaces including a cable vault and battery room in the basement, with switching equipment housed on the first two floors. These facilities powered the automated telephone system and its technical operations.

The facade features semi-round arched windows on the ground floor and carved stone panels above the entrance and western recesses. These decorative touches are surprisingly ornate for a functional telephone switching center.

Location: Michigan

Architects: SmithGroup

GPS coordinates: 42.34926,-83.06063

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:09