The Whittier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Whittier
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| Location | 415 Burns Drive Detroit, Michigan |
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| Built | 1922, 1926 |
| Architect | Charles N. Agree |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals, Renaissance |
| MPS | East Jefferson Avenue Residential TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 85002950 |
| Added to NRHP | October 9, 1985 |
The Whittier is a large building complex in Detroit, Michigan. It used to be a famous hotel and apartment building. Located right on the Detroit River, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Today, parts of the Whittier have been updated, and it is still a home for many people.
Contents
History of the Whittier Hotel
Why Was the Whittier Built?
The Whittier was built as an "apartment hotel." This meant people could rent an apartment, but also enjoy services usually found in a hotel. Imagine having your own apartment with cleaning services and room service!
Detroit was growing very fast in the 1920s, and many new homes were needed. The builders chose a spot by the Detroit River. This area was mostly known for large, fancy homes belonging to rich families. Construction started in 1921 and finished in 1927.
Famous Guests and Special Features
The Whittier became a very fancy hotel. Many well-known people stayed there. These included famous car maker Horace Dodge and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Movie stars like Mae West and singers such as Frank Sinatra also visited. Even the famous band The Beatles stayed at the Whittier!
Because of its location near the Detroit River and Canada, the hotel was also a convenient spot for some secret activities during a time called Prohibition. This was when alcohol was not allowed to be sold.
Changes Over the Years
The hotel was owned by different groups over time. People lived there until about 2000 or 2001. In 2003, a company bought the building. They updated the eight-story part of the complex. This section is now a living center for senior citizens, called the Whittier Manor. Plans to update the taller fifteen-story building are still being worked on.
Design and Architecture
Who Designed the Whittier?
The Whittier Hotel was designed by an architect named Charles N. Agree. This was one of the first big, fancy hotels he designed. Because the ground was soft and marshy near the river, Mr. Agree used a special strong base called a slab foundation. This helped support the heavy buildings.
The Whittier complex actually has two separate buildings. There is an eight-story building to the north and a taller fifteen-story building to the south.
The Northern Building
The eight-story northern building was finished in 1922. It is made of red brick and has many windows placed evenly. The first two floors are covered with smooth stone. They also have a classic design with arches, like an old Roman building. This building originally had 184 apartments.
The Southern Tower
The fifteen-story southern building was completed in 1926. Its style is called Italian Renaissance. This means it looks like buildings from the Renaissance period in Italy. It is built from light brown brick. It also has special decorations made of terra cotta on its upper floors. A modern entrance that was added later has since been removed.
Both buildings are known for their high-quality finishes. This means the materials used inside and outside were very good and well-made.
Images for kids
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The Whittier Hotel complex in Detroit.
See also
In Spanish: The Whittier para niños
