THE GUARDIAN BUILDING, AN ON-FOOT BUILDING TOUR
Schedule
Sat May 14 2022 at 01:00 pm to 02:00 pm
Location
Guardian Building | Detroit, ME
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For nearly a century the Guardian Building has stood sentinel on Griswold Street. An Aztec, Gothic, Art Deco, Cathedral of Finance, the Guardian is a bank building unlike any other, in a city unique to itself. Join Detroit History Tours as we explore Detroit’s undeniable masterpiece of 20th Century skyscraper architecture during a one hour walking adventure into the past, present, and future of this awe inspiring landmark. Along with a small group of guests (tours are limited to 20 people) you’ll investigate the tower’s major public spaces plus a handful of exclusive rooms and floors that are not frequently open to the public.Today the Guardian Building is home to Wayne County government, but a financial institution called the Union Trust first commissioned the architectural firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls to design the Guardian Building as its headquarters. However, a quick wave of mergers would lead to a whole family of companies calling itself the Union Guardian Group (including the Union Trust) becoming the first tenants when the building opened in early 1929.
Under chief designer, Mr. Wirt Rowland, no expense was spared to design the Guardian. By sourcing rare and expensive building materials from all over the world, he created a unique building whose majesty endures. In the ten decades since opening the building has housed some remarkable tenants including during World War II, when the Guardian Building served as the U.S. Army Command Center for war time production, and in the 1980’s when it became the headquarters of Michigan Consolidated Gas Company. You’ll hear what happened to many of the companies that have called the building home, learn stories of the individuals in charge of those companies, and gain an understanding of the important technological innovations pioneered in the building.
To best enjoy this one-hour tour, guests should wear comfortable walking shoes, arrive prepared to walk approximately 2 flights of stairs, and be ready to stand for extended periods of time. The Guardian Building does have elevators, but not all areas of this beloved historic building are completely accessible for all abilities. The bulk of the tour will be conducted indoors, but we like to step outside to show off the incredible Guardian façade as well; weather appropriate clothing is highly recommended. This tour is best suited for guests over the age of 12 years old, however we are happy to welcome guests as young as 8, at the discretion of their, um, guardians.
The tour departs promptly, please arrive 10 minutes before your ticketed time. This tour begins and ends in the promenade lobby of the Guardian Building (500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226). Our tour guides will be wearing Detroit History Tours shirts and big ol’ smiles. Parking is available at The Buhl Parking Garage, across the street at 525 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226. The costs vary from 10.00-20.00 dollars; on street parking is also available for $1.50 per hour at city meters. If you’re joining us for a Sunday tour, street parking is free.
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Where is it happening?
Guardian Building, 500 Griswold Street,Detroit,MI,United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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