David Broderick Tower Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids David Broderick Tower

Former names	Eaton Tower (1928–1945)
General information
Type	Residential
Location	10 Witherell Street Detroit, Michigan
Coordinates	42°20′9.5″N 83°2′59″W / 42.335972°N 83.04972°W / 42.335972; -83.04972
Construction started	1926
Completed	1928
Renovated	2012
Height
Roof	369 ft (112 m)
Top floor	348 ft (106 m)
Technical details
Floor count	34
Design and construction
Architect	Louis Kamper Paul Kamper


Broderick Tower
U.S. Historic district Contributing property

Part of	Grand Circus Park Historic District (ID83000894)
Designated CP	February 28, 1983

The Broderick Tower is a tall building, called a skyscraper, in Detroit, Michigan. It was built a long time ago, starting in 1926 and finishing in 1928. The building was fully updated in 2012 by JC Beal Construction Inc.

When it was finished in 1928, it was the second tallest building in Michigan. It has 34 floors above ground and two floors underground. The building has a special look, mixing styles like Neo-classical and Beaux-Arts. It's made mostly of limestone. Famous architects Louis Kamper and Paul Kamper designed it for Theodore Eaton.

You can find the tower in downtown Detroit, right across from Grand Circus Park. It is also near the David Whitney Building. The Broderick Tower has an interesting shape, not a simple square or rectangle.

History of the Broderick Tower
Gallery
See also

History of the Broderick Tower

The Broderick Tower has a long and interesting past. It was once even taller, before some of its fancy decorations were removed. The very top of the tower has a beautiful crown design, inspired by Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical styles.

How the Tower Got Its Name

The tower was first known as the Eaton Tower. It was named after Theodore Horation Eaton, Jr., who was a businessman. In 1945, the building was bought by David Broderick. He was an insurance broker from Detroit. Mr. Broderick then renamed the tower after himself.

After buying the tower, David Broderick created a special place called the Sky Top Club. This club was on the 33rd floor. It was a private club where Mr. Broderick could entertain his friends and business partners. After David Broderick passed away in 1957, the tower changed owners several times. The Higgins family eventually became part of its ownership, and they still have a share today.

Restaurants and Shops Over Time

Over the years, different businesses have been on the ground floor of the Broderick Tower. A restaurant called The Flaming Embers was there, and later a bar called Tavern on the Park. Another bar, The Pit Stop, opened in 2007 but also closed. Today, the Detroit Sports Bar & Grille is located on the street level of the building.

The Famous Whale Mural

One of the most memorable things about the Broderick Tower is the large humpback whale mural on its back. This mural was painted by an artist named Wyland. He is known for his art that focuses on nature and the environment. The mural was finished on October 13, 1997.

In 2006, a large billboard was put up over the mural. This covered up the beautiful whale art. The money from the billboard was meant to help fix up the building. The billboard was easy to see from Comerica Park, where the Detroit Tigers baseball team plays. But in June 2010, a storm blew the billboard away. This revealed the whale mural once again!

Modern Updates and Renovations

In December 2010, a company called Motown Construction Partners LLC started a big project. They planned to completely update the Broderick Tower. The renovations began to create 124 apartments on floors 5 to 34. They also planned for three different restaurants on the first floor and lower levels. Floors 2 through 4 were set aside for office spaces.

On November 2, 2012, the city of Detroit officially said the building was ready for people to move in. Many residents moved in right away that day. By March 2013, all the apartments in the Broderick Tower were rented out.