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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT – THE FARWELL BUILDING
The predominantly brick eight-story Farwell Building—built in 1915—is an important example of early 20th century architecture in Detroit, reflecting the late-19th century Chicago School of Architecture. The building also represents the growth of the Capitol Park district as a business and financial district during the first quarter of the 20th century.
Financing for the construction of the building came from the estate of Mrs. Emmer J. Farwell, wife of Jesse H. Farwell, the originator of the idea to build office-commercial buildings on Rowland Street. (now Griswold since 1907) near Grand River. Jesse H. Farwell was a renowned contractor, vessel owner, manufacturer and realtor.
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The building was designed by Harrie W. Bonnah, a Detroit architect for 30 years and one of the first to register in Michigan. He was head of the firm Bonnah and Chaffee, and also drew the plans for the Barlum Hotel, Barlum Tower, the Lawyer’s Building, Indian Village Manor and several Detroit school buildings.
The distinguished architectural iron work was handled by the Russel Wheel and Foundry Company of Detroit. The Russel Company, located at the foot of Walker Street, established the ironworks in 1876. The original design drawings—which are on file in the Manuscript and Document Division of the Burton Historical Collection—include the decorative bronze and brasswork for both the facade of the building and the interior, including the brass elevator cars, as well as extensive ironwork used for structural purposes.
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The first four stories of the building were for primarily commercial-retail use. Small retail establishments filled the eight shops on the street level, as well as the fifteen shops on each of the next three floors. The upper four floors were used for offices by attorneys, accountants, and dentists—while some office space was also leased to general contractors and builder’s suppliers.
The composition of the early tenants strongly supports the notion that the Farwell Building was not only a catalyst to further economic activity in the Capitol Square area, but an indication that there were already strong financial and business interests in the area needing additional office and commercial sales space.
Louis Comfort Tiffany designed prominent aspects of the interior, including a glass mosaic-tile dome over a six-story rotunda, decorative iron work at the front door and elevators, and the glass ceiling. The eight-story building is listed on both the State Register of Historic Sites and the National Register of Historic Places.
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As the architect of record and historic consultant on the Farwell Building, Kraemer Design Group was responsible for leading the redevelopment of this historic place, which was vacant since 1984. The building recently reopened in August 2019 with a mix of residential units, retail, office and restaurant space.
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BIRCH LODGE COMPLETES ROOM RENOVATIONS
Birch Lodge—a historic hospitality retreat owned by KDG Principals Bob and Maureen Kraemer—recently completed a luxurious renovation and restoration of several rooms inside The Inn. Each room is unique, with designs inspired by stories, memories and traditions from the Lodge’s storied past.
Take a look at some of the room designs below! Birch Lodge’s 2019 season lasts through October. Click here to learn more.
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SHAYLA HALL PROMOTED TO SENIOR EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR
Congratulations are in order for our own Shayla Hall, who was recently promoted to senior executive coordinator at Kraemer Design Group! In her new role, she will manage our growing portfolio of projects in Detroit and across the Midwest. Shayla is an essential part of our firm, and we couldn’t be prouder to have her in this elevated role. Read more about Shayla’s promotion in RE Journals.
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KDG TOURS THE BOOK BUILDING
As the historic consultant for the Book Building and Tower, the KDG team recently took a tour of the building mid-renovation and observed key historic details through the eyes of Senior Project Architect Nate Lindsey.
Visit our Facebook page to check out the full album!
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KDG IN THE NEWS
KDG Principal Brian Rebain Interviewed for Daily Detroit Podcast
Late last month, Daily Detroit chatted with KDG Principal Brian Rebain about the long and storied history of Capitol Park, and the revitalization it’s seen in the past five years. Click here to listen to the podcast now!
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Shinola Hotel Wins CREW Impact Award
Our Shinola Hotel project was recently awarded a 2019 CREW Detroit Impact Award in the Renovation/Adaptive Use category! Congratulations to our partners, Barton-Malow and Bedrock, on accepting the honor at the CREW Detroit Awards ceremony on September 11.
Watch the video, featuring Brett A. Yuhasz of Bedrock Detroit, to see how this project made an impact.
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