Guardian Building

Our Story

The Guardian Building is a timeless depiction of creativity and accomplishment, it represents a past era enriched by people who believed in the success of Detroit and its many cultures. The building has been designated a National Historic Landmark, the highest honor given by the National Park Service.

The main frame of the Guardian rises 36 stories high, with one of two spires extending an additional fours stories. Wirt C. Rowland, the buildings architect, dispensed with all traditional forms of decoration on the exterior and interior of the building. The three story lobby is lavishly decorated with Pewabic and Rookwood tile, as well as a Monel metal screen dividing the lobby from the Promenade that displays a custom clock designed by Tiffany. The exterior of the building was the first of its kind built using mediums such as terra cotta, tile and limestone.