Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning January 2006 » David Stott Building « Previous Next »
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 112
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 205.188.116.137
Posted on Wednesday, May 03, 2006 - 8:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Does anyone know the current status of this building? Is it mostly vacant? I never hear anything about it.

http://www.emporis.com/en/il/i m/?id=271054
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Apbest
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Username: Apbest

Post Number: 16
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.40.65.66
Posted on Wednesday, May 03, 2006 - 9:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

its office space, probably with a relatively high vacancy rate 40-50%? Its being regularly light at night now, which is a positive change, maybe showin some sort of positive trend. They had management problems back in like 1994 and the electricity was shut off. But its still in operation, however, it could probably use "Guardian-building-like" management mindset shift along with the Book tower and other older office buildings. By which i mean more lobby retail and doorman, ammentities, etc

(Message edited by apbest on May 03, 2006)
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 114
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 205.188.116.137
Posted on Wednesday, May 03, 2006 - 9:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Is the building in good condition?
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1461
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 71.144.95.162
Posted on Wednesday, May 03, 2006 - 11:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This will be premier office space when demand comes around again and a "Guardian-building-like" investment strategy comes with that.
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 117
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 205.188.116.137
Posted on Wednesday, May 03, 2006 - 11:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mackinaw, any idea what the lobby looks like? Anything like Guardian? Often buildings of this era have grand public areas.
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3631
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.172.95.197
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 12:01 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If office demand doesn't peak for quite some time, they should also consider turning the top floor into residential space. The small floors plates are perfect for residential use, and pretty bad for modern office use unless they hope to have a windfall of small office tenants looking for space on Capitol Park (not likely in the foreseeable future, IMO). But, who knows...
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 118
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 205.188.116.137
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 12:09 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

That would be amazing residential space and IMO it would be a destination address. Name recognition (?) and great views.
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Fho
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Username: Fho

Post Number: 42
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.85.149.176
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 4:50 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The lobby is quite small and reserved but classy. It has recently been restored to its original appearance after one of those horrible 60s renovations where a drop ceiling and drywall were placed over quality materials and decor. There is a photo in the lobby of what it looked like before the restoration. I've heard that the power and heat still go out sometimes.
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Merchantgander
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Username: Merchantgander

Post Number: 1755
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 150.198.150.244
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 8:12 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The building is for sale, if capital park ever comes around then this building would benefit.
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Detroitstar
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Username: Detroitstar

Post Number: 12
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 65.42.16.138
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 9:04 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Who currently manages the building? What is the lease rate? I scoured the net but didnt find anything.
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 123
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 216.223.168.132
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 10:18 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am not able to find anything either. I can't even find out who David Stott was.
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Bobj
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Username: Bobj

Post Number: 687
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 65.221.183.120
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 10:36 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I been in the building several time, it could use some updating, it kind of reminds me of the condition of the Book Tower - not bad , but needs work. It could be a great building, with small floors and it's location, I thinnk residential would be a very good option.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1466
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 68.248.7.11
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 10:44 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Looks like we all need to take a field trip to the lobby of the Stott Tower.

I based my statement on its marketability solely on location and the recognizable nature of the tower. A slightly gentrified upper Griswold (north of MI avenue) would be quite a site. It's a beautiful row of buildings.
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Krawlspace
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Username: Krawlspace

Post Number: 248
Registered: 04-2004
Posted From: 69.14.112.159
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 11:50 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

David Stott was a mill owner. I have a large glass negative of the mill's sprawling layout of buildings, with his name plastered all over them. I have a print somewhere. I'll try to scan it and post.
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 128
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 216.223.168.132
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 1:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Krawlspace, was the mill in Detroit? It must have been quite successfull considering the size of the Stott Tower.
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Dougw
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Username: Dougw

Post Number: 1119
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 136.2.1.153
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 3:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Preservation Wayne's skyscraper tour includes a stop in the David Stott tower lobby, along with various other buildings: http://www.preservationwayne.o rg/tours_downtown4.php

(Of course, maybe the Stott tower lobby is open to the public anyway, I haven't been there in some time.)
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Krawlspace
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Username: Krawlspace

Post Number: 250
Registered: 04-2004
Posted From: 69.14.112.159
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 4:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes it was, although not sure where.
This bit is from Time Magazine from 1931.
The complete article is available for $2.50 if you're interested.

Sep. 28, 1931
Since David Stott, founder of Stott Milling Co.. died in 1916 his seven children have fought privately (with fists) and publicly (with suits) over the management of the ten-million-dollar estate he left them. Detroit's Judge Homer Ferguson, before whom many of these suits have been tried, once said: " David Stott was able to pass on to his heirs his physical assets but not his business ability or his ability to get along with others." One of the heirs of whom he spoke was middle-aged Bertha A. Stott. whose tempestuous outbursts did not subside as she outgrew tempestuous youth.
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 5856
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 5:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

As evidenced by his great-great grand daughter, Brenda Scott.
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Krawlspace
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Username: Krawlspace

Post Number: 252
Registered: 04-2004
Posted From: 69.14.112.159
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 5:26 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Quick wit Jeff strikes again!
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3638
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.172.95.197
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 5:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Except that the man's name was Stott...
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1312
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 140.244.107.151
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 5:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

From the 1908 Book of Detroiters:

STOTT, David, president Morehead Mfg. Co., Detroit Milling Co., secretary and treasurer Detroit Barrel Co. Office: Grand River and Warren Av. Residence: 135 Commonwealth Av.
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 131
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 9:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks Kathleen, just found that:

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/mi /county/tuscola/det/detsto-sul .htm

For such an important guy you would think there would be more information ...
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Dougw
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Username: Dougw

Post Number: 1121
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 69.220.224.184
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 12:57 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

stott1
stott2
stott3
stott4
stott closeup
stott up
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 135
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 1:04 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dougw kicks ass !!!
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Dougw
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Username: Dougw

Post Number: 1122
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Posted From: 69.220.224.184
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 1:07 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

cool. :-)
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 137
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 1:07 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It is such a beautiful building.
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Viziondetroit
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Username: Viziondetroit

Post Number: 441
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.42.176.190
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 1:41 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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Erikd
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Username: Erikd

Post Number: 611
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.242.214.106
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 2:52 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What's up with all of the skyscrapers named after guys named "David"?

David Broderick Tower, David Whitney Building, David Stott Tower...

Every other Detroit skyscraper has no first name. What is so special about guys named David?

I want equal rights for all first names, and I have a few suggestions...

The Brian Guardian Building
The Jeff Book Tower
The Peter Fisher Building
The Amanda Buhl Building
The Gary Penobscot Building
The Susan Comerica Tower
and, of course,
The Erik Renaissance Center

I like the sound of these new names, especially the last one...
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3644
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.172.95.197
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 2:56 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Coincidence. That, and most other Detroit skyscrapers aren't named after individuals.
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623kraw
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Username: 623kraw

Post Number: 898
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.41.224.200
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 5:58 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I remember when WABX studios were at or near the top of the Stott and tours were provided (circa late '60's, not to mention the free concerts at Tartar Field).
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Bobj
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Username: Bobj

Post Number: 694
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.40.89.238
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 9:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

How about Bobmerica Park?? Going with the first name theme from Erikd.
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Detroitduo
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Username: Detroitduo

Post Number: 636
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 194.138.39.56
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 9:22 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No, it should be DavidMerica Park, considering it's in the "David" neighborhood, obviously. (David Whitney, David Broderic, David Opera House, David Methodist Church...)
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Mauser765
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Username: Mauser765

Post Number: 780
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 4.229.54.10
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 9:26 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"What's up with all of the skyscrapers named after guys named "David"?"

They call them the "Three Davids" - even though Broderick was actually the Eaton Tower.

Doesnt (didnt) the Stott have a Parducci lobby, like Lee Plaza and Broderick ?
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 139
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 216.223.168.132
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 9:31 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

And Masonic Temple.
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Llyn
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Username: Llyn

Post Number: 1524
Registered: 06-2004
Posted From: 68.61.197.206
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 9:53 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You've all forgotten the Llyn Shorecrest Motel...
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Gravitymachine
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Username: Gravitymachine

Post Number: 1040
Registered: 05-2005
Posted From: 198.208.159.20
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 9:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

hotel ed "eddy" stone
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Mauser765
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Username: Mauser765

Post Number: 782
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Posted From: 4.229.24.60
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 10:43 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Parducci did more than a lobby at Masonic..
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Bobj
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Username: Bobj

Post Number: 695
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Posted From: 68.40.89.238
Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 10:43 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

OK, Lee Plaza is an easy one, named after Lee Marvin
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Mikem
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Username: Mikem

Post Number: 2485
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.43.15.105
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 1:33 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

To expand on what Kathleen posted earlier; from Clarence Burton's History of Detroit:


quote:

David Stott

DAVID STOTT. There is something thoroughly consistent in presenting the life history of David Stott in connection with the records of Detroit, inasmuch as he contributed in large measure to the business development and progress of the city and to many interests which were vital forces in Detroit’s upbuilding and development. He was a man of marked force of character and of splendid ability and he so exercised his powers as to produce substantial and beneficial results for the community in which he lived, while at the same time advancing his individual fortunes. The story of his life should be of stimulating and inspirational interest to all who read it.

Mr. Stott was a native of England, born on the 9th of July, 1853, and was one of a family of three children. On attaining the usual age he entered the public schools, passing through consecutive grades as he mastered the various branches of learning until he became a high school pupil. He dated his residence in Detroit from the age of thirteen years, at which time the family home was established in this city. In early manhood he turned his attention to the dairy business, in which he continued active until he embarked in the milling business and from that time was associated with the manufacture of flour until his death, on June 4, 1916. Gradually his activities in that field broadened in scope and importance and eventually he became president of the David Stott Flour Mills, Incorporated, president of the Morehead Manufacturing Company, president of the Stott Realty Company, and secretary and treasurer of the Detroit Barrel Company. He also served for a number of years until his death as a director of the Peninsular State Bank.

Mr. Stott was married twice. He was first married to Miss Julia Albro, who passed away in 1911. On February 24, 1914, he was married to Miss Helene Austin, a daughter of Thomas H. and Anne (Neville) Austin. The family of Mr. Stott numbered seven children, all born to the first marriage. He belonged to the Catholic church, of which his family are still communicants and at all times he was a generous supporter of the church and its work. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and along strictly social lines was connected with the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Boat Club and the Country Club, of which Mrs. Stott is also a member. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and at all times he kept well informed concerning the vital questions and issues of the day, but political preferment had no attraction for him. He found his satisfaction and interest in the upbuilding of his business and his close application and thoroughness constituted the important element which proved the foundation of his prosperity.


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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 160
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Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 2:08 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Completely fascinating. Thanks Mikem.
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Viziondetroit
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Username: Viziondetroit

Post Number: 445
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.42.176.190
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 2:26 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This has to be one of the most intelligent forums around.. It seems like I am getting a degree from Detroit Yes Normal College in Urban Studies with a concentration in Detroit
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Neilr
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Username: Neilr

Post Number: 244
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.242.218.76
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 10:16 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My 1906 edition of Detroit's Blue Book lists his home address as 135 Commonwealth. However, the street address numbers all changed in 1920 so 135 would not be the current number. Perhaps a Woodbridge forumer would have that information.
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Mhc
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Username: Mhc

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 74.32.22.170
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 10:43 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

623krawl mentioned WABX... The DJs always used to say "High atop the David Stott bldg.." (Get it, "high"..?)
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Mikem
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Username: Mikem

Post Number: 2487
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Posted From: 68.43.15.105
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 10:52 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

135 Commonwealth would be in the 4200 block, between Curtis and Calumet.
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 164
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Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 10:54 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Is this still a nice area?
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Mikem
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Username: Mikem

Post Number: 2488
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Posted From: 68.43.15.105
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 11:10 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Beats me.

I misspoke earlier; it's between Willis and Calumet. Somewhere west of the Lodge and south of I-94. Could be in the area of nice homes west of the Jeffries project.
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Dougw
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Posted From: 69.220.224.184
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 6:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

That's in the Woodbridge neighborhood, so yes, it's a nice area... http://www.urbanplanet.org/for ums/lofiversion/index.php/t123 13.html
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Naturalsister
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Username: Naturalsister

Post Number: 610
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Posted From: 69.213.80.165
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 6:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Great photos, I have always wondered about Stott and Broderick. I'd buy a condo there in a minute (income not withstanding).

The views, the views.

later - naturalsister
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Douglasm
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Username: Douglasm

Post Number: 543
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Posted From: 66.189.188.28
Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 10:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Marshall....
......neither of us are old enough to remember that, are we?

Great view from the old WABX offices......
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 170
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Posted From: 64.12.116.204
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 12:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A lot of interesting architectural styles there in Woodbridge ... Thanks for the pics Dougw.
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Aiw
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Username: Aiw

Post Number: 5529
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Posted From: 69.156.95.197
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 12:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The lobby of the Stott is way too small to create a "public space".

It is however a typical 20's era lobby, lots of brass and a great post office box.

Here are a few photos of the lobby.


1

2

3

4
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Hysteria
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Post Number: 171
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Posted From: 64.12.116.204
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 1:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wow! Thanks Andrew.
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Apbest
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Posted From: 68.40.65.66
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 4:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I agree that it should be residential. Once some of the dinosaur buildings get converted, I think using Stott as residential would a) bring more people downtown b)restore the building c)help prevent new office buildings from "flooding the market", maybe get the occupancy rating of other downtown buildings up
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Trufan
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Username: Trufan

Post Number: 6
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 138.28.159.20
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 5:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It makes great office space for a small business. Great views, and nice windows. Bathrooms are small and old, but ok. It would make great residential, because of the small floors, easily fit 2 really nice sized apartments with 3 sides of windows. Maybe could fit four 1 bedroom apartments per floor too. Its not in horrible shape, elevator problems sometimes, but besides that its nice. Only problem with electricy I had while i was there was the blackout a couple years ago, but 6 states exerienced that too.
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Lmichigan
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Posted From: 24.11.189.87
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 8:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There is no reason why the top can't be residential and the bottom remain office space for small tenants, as it certainly isn't cutting it as an office building. Turning the top into a residential use would also help, as you said, push office occupancy up, downtown. Only Class A office space is being built in downtown, now.
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Trufan
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Posted From: 138.28.212.237
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 10:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

not only is it just class A office space that is being built, thats the only office space thats desireable hense a beautiful building with great views like the david stott building is not popular. I wonder with the small floor plans if it could ever be turned into class A offices, if not i'm all for some delux apartments in the sky.
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Apbest
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Post Number: 23
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Posted From: 68.40.65.66
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 11:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think the later is the only practical design...but idk if that will happen
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 178
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Posted From: 64.12.116.204
Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 11:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

David Stott Building mentioned in Warren Commission report on JFK assassination:

http://www.jfk-assassination.d e/warren/wch/vol14/page412.php
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3669
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Posted From: 24.11.189.87
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 1:33 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Trufan, I think you could turn the small floor plates into Class A space, but it's very rare to find enough small tenants willing to pay that much for Class A space in that type of building. It would be an EXTREMELY niche market for office space. The style for large tenants, today, is massive floor plates to get as many of their workers (or workers in a particular department) on one floor as possible. It has a lot to do with efficiency. It would be nearly impossible, in even a better office market, to turn the Stott into Class A space, and have it be feasible. And, the Stott has one of the smallest (if not the smallest) footprint of a major skyscraper in Detroit. The owner would be much better off converting the top for residential use.
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The_aram
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Username: The_aram

Post Number: 4856
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.41.124.8
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 1:44 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Isn't there a law library somewhere in the building? I seem to remember hearing something about one in there on the upper floors.
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Sumotect
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Username: Sumotect

Post Number: 188
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 64.243.32.9
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 10:31 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The design of the building exterior owes a great deal to Eliel (Ero's Dad) Sarranien's influential second place entry in the famous Chicago Tribune architecture competition from the twenties.




sorry about the small image
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Dougw
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Username: Dougw

Post Number: 1127
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 136.2.1.103
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 12:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I dug up this larger version of Eliel Saarinen's Chicago Tribune Tower entry...
Saarinen Chicago Tribune entry
Pretty amazing for 1922. It looks like it may have influenced the Fisher building even more than the Stott tower.

It's a shame Eliel never got to design a skyscraper for Detroit, since he lived around here for so long.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1487
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 69.221.33.13
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 10:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Indeed. My "Architecture in Michigan" book also includes this Saarinen design, which the Stott is clearly derived from.

The more I think on it, the wierder it seems that the Stott is so underused. It is such a classy place, with potential...look at the location. One block from Michigan avenue, one block from Woodward, right there at the end of Gratiot, another one of the spoke roads. It is literally around the corner from Compuware HQ, One Kennedy Square, the rest of the financial district. Likewise, it is a block from whatever will rest on the Hudson's block, and near what will be a four star hotel at Washington and Michigan. These two developments will probably bring fresh investment in and marketing of the Stott Tower. It would be a sin if this signature building is forgotten.
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 184
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 64.12.116.204
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 10:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dougw, I agree. It's kind of a hybrid between Fisher and David Stott. Thanks for the pics Sumotect & Dougw.
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 185
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 64.12.116.204
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 11:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I agree, Mackinaw. It's rare, if ever, that the building is mentioned (especially considering its size and location defined in your above post). The office space in the building is considered Class C. As you stated earlier, with the right management (ala Guardian), this building could once again become a premier address. AIW's photos show some of the great details the Stott Tower has to offer.

(Message edited by hysteria on May 08, 2006)
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1488
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Posted From: 69.221.33.13
Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 11:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm assuming it will take modern, i.e. technological, amenities to be integrated in order to become class A?

I'm sure it has some beautiful space, it just needs the recipe that the Dime, Guardian, and Penobscot have had in their rebirth. Eventually the market will have to spur this on. Again: look at the location!
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Mikem
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Username: Mikem

Post Number: 2496
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.43.15.105
Posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 12:30 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Maybe not its heyday, but here are the Stott Building occupants in 1940...

(four columns in the directory, split into two for posting)
1
2
3
4

(continued)

5
6
7
8

I wonder if the place still smells like perm solution? Or lawyers?
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Erikd
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Username: Erikd

Post Number: 615
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.242.214.106
Posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 2:34 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

The more I think on it, the wierder it seems that the Stott is so underused. It is such a classy place, with potential...




The reasons for the low occupancy and class C rating are due to the layout and lack of amenities. The building has never had a major upgrade, so it lacks many of the features that are expected by today's office tenants. The old elevators, lack of AC, lack of attached parking, small floor plates, old eletrical and plumbing systems, etc are a deal breaker for most companies looking for office space.

Even with a major renovation, it would be hard to draw office tenants due to the small size of the floors. While the small floor sizes will make it hard for the Stott to draw office tenants, they are perfect for residential development. I wouldn't be surprised to see this building converted to residential in the (somewhat) near future.
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Swingline
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Username: Swingline

Post Number: 483
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 172.162.166.15
Posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 1:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mikem, very cool directory. No occupancy rate problems in 1940.

Stott building will never become a Class A office building. As many have said, the floor plate issues preclude any interest from Class A tenants.

It's a great building though. I hope that it can hold on until the residential market comes around.
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 189
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 6:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Great list of tenants, Mikem. Lots of beauty shops! It's interesting to see that Detroit Savings Bank (Comerica Bank) had offices on the first seven floors of the tower.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1490
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 68.248.10.150
Posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 7:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Based on how many different tenants there were per floor back in the day, I have to object to those who say this cannot be converted to class A space based on the floor sizes. Especially for the lower 15 stories, the footprint is large enough for law firms and the like, I would have to think.
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 191
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Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 11:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It would be nice to see the space converted to Class A, certainly. Mackinaw, what are your thoughts on keeping floors 1-15 commercial/retail and marketing the higher floors as residential?
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Mikem
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Username: Mikem

Post Number: 2497
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.54.94.33
Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 1:36 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hysteria, thanks but you're mis-reading the directory. It's a portion of a street directory. Notice the left column of the first image is a list of occupants of the Capitol Park Building, then it says "street continued," meaning it has reverted back to street addresses (Griswold in this case) until it reaches another multiple-occupant building such as the Stott.

See the right column of the fifth image, where it says "Detroit Savings Bank Building"? The 1212 next to it means it's at 1212 Griswold. The Stott listings ended with "3527 Kinwell Oil Company", then it reverts back to street addresses until it reaches another building.
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 193
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 8:26 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yep. It's very clear to me now. Thanks, Mikem.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1492
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Posted From: 68.248.10.150
Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 9:16 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mixed use makes plenty of sense to me. I'm sure it would make sense to any potential investor who purchases the building, because residential demand is clearly leading the way downtown. The sight-lines from the top floors of the Stott have got to be awesome.

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