Book Building History

**Zads07** · July-09-12, 04:23 PM

Hey everyone,
I was wondering if there is any history out there on the Book Building. Not the tower, there is plenty of information on that part of the structure on HistoricDetroit.org. I was wondering if there is any information or history anyone has on the history of the actual building, part that was built before the tower. Owners, what was there before the building, the tenants, etc.

**Wheels** · July-09-12, 04:26 PM

Some info here:

http://www.detroit1701.org/Book%20Building.html

**Gistok** · July-09-12, 05:50 PM

The Book Building has BY FAR the largest and most ornate cornice in Detroit. Apparently in the early 1950s when the ordinance was passed by Common Council to either remove cornices of buildings, or maintain them.... the Book Building owner took the latter course, and maintained the most spectacular cornices in downtown.

They show up at the top of the screen of the DYES Forums from time to time, and are amazing to look at.

**Jimaz** · July-09-12, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by Gistok

The Book Building ... largest and most ornate cornice ... show up at the top of the screen of the DYES Forums from time to time, and are amazing to look at.

Which banner?

In case it helps, here's a link to the "I Love The Changing D-YES Photo Banners!" thread.

[[I've been neglecting that file. I wonder if it needs updating.)

**DetroitPlanner** · July-09-12, 09:08 PM

When I was a kid all of the airlines had offices on the first floor.

**Gistok** · July-09-12, 09:59 PM

I can't fiugre out how to view Jimaz's file... but it's this entablature....
http://detroit1701.org/Book%20Building.html

.... which has 12 of these beauties....
http://detroitfunk.com/?tag=book-tower-sculptures

**EastsideAl** · July-09-12, 10:38 PM

Here is a 1910 picture of the block on which the Book Building & Tower now stand. This is looking north from State St. towards Grand River, so the Book Bldg. would be halfway up the block, about where the garage is.

http://quod.lib.umich.edu/d/dpa1ic/x...5/eb02f025.tif