A Tribute To Detroit
With limited space Downtown for their central headquarters, the Fisher brothers of the Fisher Body Corporation settled in New Center in the 1920s. In 1927 they hired legendary architect Albert Kahn to create a magnificent building as a thanks to the city that delivered their success. It was to be an ode to the American work ethic and to American artisans. The Fisher brothers spared no expense in its creation, encouraging Kahn to hire world-class architects, engineers, builders, craftspeople and artists. As a result, the Fisher Building’s marble-clad façade, three-story, hand-painted, barrel-vaulted ceiling, spectacular mosaics, and extensive bronze detailing has earned it recognition as “Detroit's Largest Art Object.”
The Fisher Building was completed in 1928 honored with a silver medal in architecture in 1929 by the Architecture League of New York.
One of the most recognizable sights on Detroit’s skyline, the building is also known as “The Golden Tower.” The original gold-leaf tiles on the tower were covered with asphalt during WWII for fear of bombing. Following the war the damaged gold tiles were replaced with green terra cotta tiles that are illuminated gold at night.
The Fisher Building is considered one of Albert Kahn’s greatest masterpieces. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989 as a “superbly designed complex which displays some of the finest craftsmanship in any Art Deco style building constructed in the U.S. in the 1920s,“ according to the National Parks Service.
The Fisher brothers at a groundbreaking ceremony in 1927
The Fisher Building under construction in the 1920s
The Fisher Building looking northwest, courtesy of The Burton Collection at The Detroit Public Library
Preserving a legacy
Since purchasing the Fisher Building in 2015, The Platform, as managing partner, has been reactivating the Fisher Brothers' original vision of a premiere destination for office, retail and entertainment. Through restoration, activation and occupancy, The Platform has renewed the building’s iconic status and repositioned it to serve as a beacon for Detroit.
Since 2015, more than $30 million has been invested in building improvements. The magnificent hand-painted frescos atop the three-story Arcade have been restored. Building comfort and efficiency has been improved through a multi-million-dollar HVAC system. In addition, the fire suppression system and elevators have been upgraded and modernized.
In June 2023, The Platform announced that the Michigan State University (MSU) endowment and MSU Federal Credit Union have invested in the historic Fisher Building and several nearby development sites. The investment will help to preserve the Fisher Building’s iconic status as “Detroit’s Largest Art Object” for generations to come.
As general partner, The Platform is embarking on the next phase of building improvements which include the ongoing restoration of the 325,000-square-foot-exterior as well as further upgrades to the entrances, mechanical systems, elevators, and tenant spaces.
Historic details underwent careful restoration
Want To Learn More?
Discover why the Fisher Building is known as “Detroit’s Largest Art Object.” The 441-foot tower is one of the greatest works by legendary architect Albert Kahn with its three-story arcade adorned with spectacular frescoes, mosaics, marble and brass. Visit on your own or join a free tour offered through Pure Detroit.
