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Summer, 2023: A New Look
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New Chapter for Detroit

June 21, 2023
Commercial & Investment Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Design & Architecture
By: Jeffrey Steele
Residences emerge from the restoration of architectural jewel, the Book Tower.
Interior ceiling of the Book Tower in Detroit

© BOOKTOWERDETROIT.COM

A Roaring ’20s–era Detroit office building, Book Tower was in decline for almost half a century when it was acquired in 2015 by Detroit-based commercial real estate firm Bedrock. New York–based ODA was brought in for architecture and interior renovation, Brinker/Christman for construction, and Kraemer Design Group for historic preservation.

The team reinstalled 50,000 square feet of marble, replaced all 2,483 windows, and restored 29 exterior caryatids. Former office spaces were adapted into 45 unique floor plans for apartments and hotel rooms. Unveiled in June, the Book Tower offers 229 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as an indoor-outdoor lounge with city views, a co-working space, a fitness center and a marble-arched atrium with a restored 2,200-square-foot art glass skylight.

“This is the most meaningful project you can hope for, a historical building where architecture and design can play a transformational role in both  its future, and also the future of Detroit.” Eran Chen, founder and executive director, ODA, New York

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Mixed-Income Options

When it opened in 1926, “The Book” represented a soaring symbol of pride for the Motor City. The restored 38-story tower, the focal point of the city’s Washington Boulevard Historic District, is offering a mix of luxury and affordable units.

The Details

  • Original design by architect Louis Kamper in Academic Classicism style
  • Opened in June as a mixed-use development with a total of 487,000 square feet
  • Rental residences fill 187,000 square feet
  • Includes 40,700 square feet of retail, 17,600 square feet of office space, and an 86,000-square-foot extended-stay hotel
  • Pre-leasing opportunities launched in April 2023
  • Some residences reserved as affordable for those at or below 80% of the area median income
  • Event space, rooftop bar, and residential terrace in the adjoining Book Building
Interior ceiling of the Book Tower in Detroit

BOOKTOWERDETROIT.COM

Book Tower Detroit interior unit

BOOKTOWERDETROIT.COM

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