The Buildings of Detroit: A History

by W Hawkins Ferry, John Gallagher (Foreword)

First published in 1968, The Buildings of A History by W. Hawkins Ferry is the definitive resource on the architecture of Detroit and its adjacent communities, from pioneering times to the end of the twentieth century. Ferry based his impressive volume on thirteen years of meticulous research, interviews with many prominent architects, and hundreds of photos commissioned specifically for the book. Ferry revised The Buildings of Detroit in 1980, adding the Renaissance Center and other modern works, and this re-released version presents the revised edition adding only a new foreword by John Gallagher.

The Buildings of Detroit spans from the early 1700s, when the city was a fur-trading post in the wilderness, to its more contemporary position as the capital of the automotive industry and a major industrial city. Along the way, Ferry offers glimpses of the log cabins of early explorers and soldiers, the Victorian mansions of lumber barons, and the Grosse Pointe and Bloomfield Hills residences of motor magnates. He traces the development of new building techniques that gave rise to the American skyscraper and the modern factory. Ferry details all of downtown's landmark buildings, including many that are no longer standing, and visits fascinating neighborhood structures like movie theaters, hotels, shopping centers, and apartment buildings. In each chapter, readers will meet the visionary architects and clients whose foresight and initiative helped shape the fabric of one of America's great cities.

The Buildings of Detroit also includes a selected chronology, maps, references, notes, an extensive index, and 475 illustrations. Previously out of print and difficult to find, this re-released classic will be treasured by Detroit history buffs and architectural historians.

Genres: History, Architecture, Urban Studies

522 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2012

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of Detroit architecture from the city's founding in 1701 to 1980, when Ferry revised the book. The focus is on high architecture, so the approach is not comprehensive; but, at nearly 500 pages, Ferry has plenty of content. Historical research is incorporated in addition to architectural criticism. There are photos of most buildings discussed, as well as maps.

The city takes center stage, although the metro area is included, too. Ferry covers Grosse Pointe at length (sadly, neglecting upscale Detroit neighborhoods like Indian Village and Boston Edison), and touches on suburban sprawl towards the end of the book.

[Brian Rebain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel got me a copy of this behemoth as a gift earlier this year and I am still wading through its 500 pages with a fine tooth comb. It is a complete history of Detroit illustrated with tons of historic images and a fantastic narrative by W. Hawkins Ferry.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT! Very thorough history of Detroit.

[Incoronata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Awsome!!!!

[Ben]

Recommended by BELLE ISLE TO 8 MILE: AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO DETROIT 2ND EDITION