DETROIT (WWJ) – When construction finished in 1926 amidst the skyscraper boom, Detroit’s Book Tower was once the tallest building in the city.
But the historic 38-story building was completely vacant in 2009 when the last tenants left.
Fast forward a decade and a half, and the Book Tower has new life. Officials on Thursday cut the ribbon after a seven-year, nearly $400 million renovation led by Bedrock was completed.
The next chapter for the historic building at Washington Boulevard and Grand River Avenue will include more than 200 luxury apartments, 117 ROOST apartment hotel rooms and more than 52,000 square-feet of retail, office and dining space.
The ROOST Detroit website says their apartment hotel rooms “offer a cozy, sophisticated environment where you can relax, work, and even entertain guests. This is your space, and it’ll feel like home, no matter how long you stay.”
On-hand for Thursday’s ribbon cutting were Bedrock founder Dan Gilbert, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other leaders.
Gilbert celebrated the re-opening with a look back at Detroit's past – and a look towards the future.
“It was known as the trendiest part of Detroit. The road was lined with some of the most prominent businesses, high-end shopping, upscale hotels and restaurants,” Gilbert said. “You will find many of these things when you go in the Book once again, but that’s not where the story will end.”
Gilbert says the vision for the Book is to “provide a spark” for other businesses and developments in the area as Detroit’s renaissance continues.
“Detroit has a beautiful past, as this building bears witness, but it’s Detroit’s future that I’m excited for,” Gilbert said.
Bedrock bought the building in 2015 and renovations began the following year. Many had presumed the building would be demolished like other old buildings in the area.
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