Detroit Athletic Club

The Detroit Athletic Club is a seven-story building in Renaissance Revival style with a limestone exterior on Madison Avenue, completed by architect Albert Kahn in 1915. Inside, swimming pools, dining rooms, meeting halls, ballrooms, and fitness spaces occupy several floors connected by corridors and staircases.

Founded in 1887 as an amateur sports group, the organization later shifted toward social functions with backing from Detroit business figures. The club moved into its current home shortly after construction finished during World War I.

The name reflects its origins as a sports organization that later expanded to include dining and social events. Today it serves as a private gathering spot where members host celebrations and business meetings in halls overlooking downtown.

Access is limited to members who enter through different doors depending on which area they visit. Non-members can see the exterior from Madison Avenue but cannot tour the interior unless attending a private event.

The Last Word cocktail was created here in 1916 during Prohibition, mixing gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. The recipe remained forgotten for nearly a century before bartenders revived it in the early 2000s.

Inception: 1915

Architects: Albert Kahn

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Floors above the ground: 7

GPS coordinates: 42.33747,-83.04735

Latest update: December 6, 2025 11:00