Guardian Building Essay

Standing at 500 Griswold Street in downtown Detroit, the Guardian Building is one of Detroit’s most extravagant historic landmarks. The Guardian Building opened in 1929 in the financial district; built for the Union Trust Company, after a two year long process of construction and design. Today, the Guardian Building is owned by Wayne County, becoming its official headquarters. I fully support my group’s choice of the Guardian Building representing who we are as Detroit because it is a standing embodiment of Detroit’s artistic and architectural advancements as well as the city’s rise and decline of success; giving it the ability to illustrate the perseverance that great cities possess. We are visionaries. Detroit is a city that is made up of many defining layers. One layer in particular is its impressive architectural and artistic

The Art Deco aspects of the skyscraper gave it free reign to deviate from the classical American way of building and gave it a more worldly edge. The building includes imported Travertine marble from Italy and black marble from Belgium in order to build the towering columns of the main lobby. Upon visiting the building, one is overcome by the architecture incorporated in the main lobby, as the European inspired columns and Native American designs work to juxtapose each other in a unique and very appealing way. The Guardian Building is a prime example of Detroit’s visionary side, as well as its conglomeration of diverse and cultural aspects; “Visitors are awestruck by the explosion of color, craftsmanship and blending of Native American, Aztec, and Arts & Crafts influences”. The various Native American inspired details work to pay homage to the original inhabitants of the area, as well as adding a unique artistic flair to the building. Further examples