First National Building
| Company type | Office building |
|---|---|
| Industry | Commercial real estate |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Headquarters | Detroit , United States |
| Products | Office and retail space |
The First National Building is a prominent skyscraper and premium office complex situated in Downtown Detroit, Michigan, within the boundaries of the Detroit Financial District. It is positioned in close proximity to the Cadillac Tower, One Detroit Center, and directly adjacent to the Vinton Building.
Description
Erected from 1921 through 1930, this edifice spans 26 floors above ground along with two subterranean levels, occupying an entire block on Cadillac Square near Campus Martius Park. The building reaches a height of 341 feet (104 m) and features a unique "Z"-shaped footprint designed to enhance daylight penetration and airflow throughout the office spaces.
The structure was conceived by architect Albert Kahn in the Neoclassical tradition, predominantly constructed with limestone and adorned with three-story Corinthian columns on its second level. Initially, the area behind these columns served as the principal banking hall but was later transformed into office space during refurbishment. The South East tower incorporates a parking facility accessible via Bates Street. During the late 1970s, the original cornice was removed and substituted with a corrugated aluminum parapet.
Retail establishments occupy the ground floor, while the upper stories are dedicated to commercial office use. Key occupants include Rock Ventures and Amrock, which leases most of the office space.
See also
Further reading
External links
- Articles with short description
- Bank buildings in Michigan
- Skyscraper office buildings in Detroit
- Downtown Detroit
- Woodward Avenue
- Office buildings completed in 1930
- Office buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan
- National Register of Historic Places in Detroit
- Historic district contributing properties in Michigan
- Rock Ventures
- 1930 establishments in Michigan
- Albert Kahn (architect) buildings