Art Deco, Tall Towers and Iconic Structures
The Penobscot Building
Named in honor of the Penobscot, a Native American tribe from Maine, this art deco masterpiece was built in 1928 in the heart of the Financial District and features Native American motifs. Don’t miss its four-story arched entrance on Griswold Street.
Guardian Building
Art deco architecture at its finest, the Guardian Building was once promoted as “the Cathedral of Finance.” Blending Native American, Aztec and Arts and Crafts styles, 40 artisans created the building’s many painted murals and ceilings, mosaics, marble fixtures, tiles and other artistic details.

Wirt C. Rowland
Fisher Building
This landmark skyscraper in the New Center area is constructed of limestone, granite and marble and was designed by Albert Kahn Associates. Finished in 1928, it’s considered Detroit’s largest art object and is home to the iconic Fisher Theatre.

Albert Kahn
The GM Renaissance Center
This impressive grouping of seven interconnected tall towers is a centerpiece of the Detroit riverfront. Designed by architect John Portman, who also imagined the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, the “Ren Cen” is featured in dozens of movies — This is Spinal Tap, Breathless, Hancock — and TV series.
One Detroit Center
Admire the spires of this post-modern Neo-Gothic style, which has the distinction of being the tallest office building in the state. Architect Phillip Johnson’s only architectural contribution in Michigan.
One Woodward Avenue
Opened 10 years before the World Trade Center, the most notable structure designed by Minoru Yamasaki, One Woodward Avenue is one of few Detroit buildings that came from the modern era.

Minoru Yamasaki
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3The Penobscot Building
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5One Detroit Center
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6One Woodward Avenue
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