Quinn Evans Architects transform Neo-Gothic high-rise into Detroit's first extended stay hotel
by Andrew Manns | 04 Feb 2019
The long-abandoned cathedral-like Metropolitan Building – a relict from the Jazz Age – has been converted into the Element Detroit, a 110-room extended stay hotel.
Refurbished by Quinn Evans Architects in collaboration with real estate developers The Roxbury Group and the Means Group, the refreshed property, which has been vacant since the 1970s, features a rooftop bar with an outdoor terrace, a fitness centre, and 7,000 sq ft (650 sq m) of ground floor and lower level retail space.
Originally designed in 1924 by Weston and Ellington to house jewellery shops, the Metropolitan is a prominent example of the urban Gothic Revival style.
The estimated US$33m (€29m, £25m) project saw many of the structure's original attributes renovated, including its exterior facade, vaulted ceiling in the interior lobby, staircases, and terrazzo flooring in the guest corridors.
Speaking on the opening, David Di Rita, co-founder and principal of The Roxbury Group said: "The restoration and rebirth of this building with the Element Detroit at the Metropolitan as its centrepiece is a testament to the resilient spirit of Detroit.
"When the building closed 40 years ago, it would have been hard for Detroiters of that era to have imagined that it would come back to life in this way, particularly with so many of its beautiful original features still intact."
Toni Stoeckl, vice president of Distinctive Select Service Brands at Marriott International commented: "We're so excited to have played a role in bringing this iconic building back to life for the city of Detroit."
Element Detroit – part of the Mariott International-owned resort brand Element Hotels – is operated by Azul Hospitality.
Based in San Diego, Azul manages over 30 properties across the US.
Detroit Element Quinn Evans Neo-Gothic Metropolitan Building
Quinn Evans Architects helped to refurbish the property's deteriorating interiors and exteriors. Credit: Courtesy of Element Detroit
Element Detroit will be managed by Azul Hospitality for Element Hotels, a sub-brand of Marriott International. Credit: Courtesy of Element Detroit
The long-abandoned cathedral-like Metropolitan Building – a relict from the Jazz Age – has been converted into the Element Detroit, a 110-room extended stay hotel. Refurbished by Quinn Evans Architects in collaboration with real estate developers The Roxbury Group and the Means Group, the refreshed property, which has been vacant since the 1970s, features a rooftop bar with an outdoor terrace, a fitness centre, and 7,000 sq ft (650 sq
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