20 Best Architectural Buildings in Michigan: A Guide to Iconic Structures

Michigan is a state with a rich architectural heritage that spans from its early days to the modern era.

The variety of styles and structures found here showcases the creativity and skill of many renowned architects.

This article highlights the 20 best architectural buildings in Michigan, offering a glimpse into the state’s architectural evolution and significance.

Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or simply curious, you will find the state’s buildings both intriguing and inspiring.

1. Fisher Building

The Fisher Building, located at 3011 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture.

Designed by Albert Kahn, it was completed in 1928.

Known as “Detroit’s largest art object,” its exterior features limestone, granite, and marble.

This 30-story skyscraper was financed by the Fisher family.

Its original gold-leaf tiles were covered during World War II.

Today, the building remains a central landmark in Detroit’s New Center area, often called “The Golden Tower” for its iconic design.

2. Guardian Building

The Guardian Building is a landmark skyscraper in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

Built between 1928 and 1929, it exemplifies bold Art Deco architecture. The building was originally named the Union Trust Building.

This National Historic Landmark features colorful designs and a welcoming presence.

It occupies an entire block in the Financial District, showcasing a mix of warmth and grandeur. The Guardian Building is renowned for its intricate tile and terracotta work.

SmithGroup, formerly known as Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls, designed the building.

Today, it remains an icon of Detroit’s architectural heritage.

3. Cranbrook House

Cranbrook House, designed by Albert Kahn in 1908, served as the home for George Gough Booth and Ellen Scripps Booth.

It is now the centerpiece of the Cranbrook Educational Community campus.

The estate, located in Bloomfield Hills, is a National Historic Landmark.

Visitors can explore Cranbrook House and Gardens and take part in various tours and events throughout the year.

4. Zaha Hadid-designed Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum in East Lansing is a striking example of contemporary architecture.

Designed by Zaha Hadid, this museum opened in 2012 on the Michigan State University campus.

Known for its unique, angular design, the building stands out with its sharp lines and unconventional forms.

The museum spans 42,742 square feet and offers a global curatorial focus on emerging and mid-career artists.

Learn more about this remarkable structure at Architectural Record.

5. Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts, located at 5200 Woodward Ave, is a major art museum in the U.S.

The building opened in 1927 and showcases a Beaux-Arts architectural style.

French-born architect Paul Philippe Cret designed the museum.

The building process started in 1922 and took seven years to complete.

The museum is known for its impressive art collection and also features Italian Renaissance elements. For more information, visit Detroit Institute of Arts.

6. St. Joseph Shrine

St. Joseph Shrine, founded by German immigrants in 1855, is a historic church in Detroit.

Its cornerstone was laid in 1870, and it was dedicated in 1873. The church was designed by architect Francis G. Himpler in Victorian Gothic style.

The shrine’s bell tower made it the tallest building in Detroit when it was completed in 1892.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it houses beautiful stained glass windows and painted plaster sculptures.

It serves as a spiritual home for those desiring sacraments in the extraordinary form of the Roman Latin Rite. More on St. Joseph Shrine can be found here.

7. Michigan State Capitol

The Michigan State Capitol in Lansing is a historic gem designed by architect Elijah E. Myers.

Completed in 1879, it is Michigan’s third capitol building and first to be located in Lansing.

The capitol is known for its impressive Victorian decorative arts.

It features 19 million bricks and Berea sandstone from Ohio. The building houses all three branches of Michigan’s government.

This beautiful structure also stands as a National Historic Landmark.

Its design and architecture reflect the grandeur and history of the post-Civil War period.

8. Meadow Brook Hall

Meadow Brook Hall is a stunning example of Tudor revival architecture. Located in Rochester Hills, Michigan, it was built between 1926 and 1929 by the heiress to the Dodge automaker fortune, Matilda Dodge Wilson, and her second husband, Alfred Wilson.

The mansion covers 88,000 square feet and has 110 rooms, making it one of the largest historic mansion museums in the United States.

Meadow Brook Hall is renowned for its superb craftsmanship and detailed architectural elements.

Visitors are often enchanted by its grand scale and unique decor.

9. Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum, located in Dearborn, Michigan, is a renowned history complex.

It includes the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village.

Visitors can view iconic artifacts such as John F. Kennedy’s presidential limousine and Abraham Lincoln’s chair from Ford’s Theatre.

The museum showcases an impressive collection of Americana, blending historical significance with engaging exhibits.

Learn more about the museum here.

10. Penobscot Building

The Penobscot Building is a renowned skyscraper in Detroit.

It rises 566 feet and has 47 stories, making it the tallest building in Michigan from 1928 until 1977.

This structure is part of a complex that includes two other buildings. The original was built in 1905, followed by a 24-story tower in 1916.

For more information, check out the Penobscot Building.

11. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum was founded in 1978, with the support of local specialists and volunteers.

It opened at its permanent location in 1982 in an old firehouse with 25 exhibits on two floors, one staff member, and ten volunteers.

This interactive museum features exhibits on topics such as psychology, health, and media.

It provides a creative space for visitors to engage with science and technology.

Visitors can explore the museum to enjoy a fun and educational experience.

For more info, visit Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.

12. Yamasaki Inc. Headquarters

Yamasaki Inc. Headquarters was located in Troy, Michigan.

This building served as the base for Minoru Yamasaki and his team. Yamasaki was famous for designing the World Trade Center.

The design of this building reflects Yamasaki’s attention to detail and his innovative style.

Yamasaki Inc. was operational before 1986 and was known as Minoru Yamasaki Associates, Inc.

For more on Yamasaki’s works, visit Curbed Detroit.

13. The Heidelberg Project

Located in Detroit, The Heidelberg Project transforms urban decay into vibrant art.

Started in 1986 by Tyree Guyton, this outdoor art environment covers several blocks on Heidelberg Street.

Guyton used discarded items like toys, car parts, and even a telephone booth to create thought-provoking installations.

The project aims to raise awareness about urban decay and revitalize the community.

The eclectic mix of colorful artworks has made it a popular tourist attraction.

Guyton’s work has earned several awards, including the Michigan Notable Book Award and the Pollock Krasner Award.

Learn more about The Heidelberg Project on Atlas Obscura.

14. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is located in Detroit, Michigan, in the Midtown Cultural Center.

It was established to celebrate African-American history and culture.

The museum opened its doors in 1997 and spans an impressive 125,000 square feet.

It is recognized as the world’s largest institution dedicated to the African American experience.

Visitors can explore more than 30,000 artifacts and archival materials. The exhibits tell stories of resilience, innovation, and courage.

15. Pewabic Pottery

Pewabic Pottery, founded in 1903, is among the oldest ceramic studios in the United States.

Located in Detroit, it was established by Mary Chase Perry and Horace J. Caulkins.

Pewabic is noted for its distinctive iridescent glazes.

These glazes can be seen on buildings like the Shedd Aquarium and Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Today, the historic studio continues to operate, producing ceramics and offering educational programs.

It has earned recognition as a National Historic Landmark.

For more details, visit the Pewabic Pottery page.

16. Detroit Opera House

The Detroit Opera House has a rich history filled with openings and re-openings.

Originally known as the Capitol Theater and later, the Grand Circus Theatre, it has been a key part of the city’s cultural fabric.

David DiChiera, founder and general director of the Michigan Opera Theatre, played a crucial role in its revival in 1971.

The building is notable for its adaptive reuse as a splendid opera house. For more details, visit Historic Detroit.

17. Michigan Central Station

Michigan Central Station, located in Detroit, is an iconic architectural marvel.

Designed by Warren & Wetmore and Reed & Stem in 1913, the station features a three-story train depot topped by a 15-story office tower.

After standing vacant for 30 years, it saw a significant restoration.

Ford invested $950 million in the renovation, transforming it into a mixed-use space.

The restoration finished, and the building reopened on April 25, 2023, blending historical elegance with modern utility.

The Beaux Arts building is now a significant part of Detroit’s architectural heritage.

18. Detroit Historical Museum

The Detroit Historical Museum, located in the city’s cultural center, showcases the rich history of Detroit.

It offers exhibits on the city’s automotive heritage, its role in the Underground Railroad, and significant historical events.

The museum also features detailed dioramas of Detroit streets over different eras.

Visitors can explore the evolution of the city from its founding to the present day.

19. Motown Museum

The Motown Museum, located at 2648 W Grand Blvd in Detroit, Michigan, is a key historical site.

This museum, referred to as Hitsville, USA, marks the birthplace of the Motown Sound created by Berry Gordy.

Inside, visitors can explore photos, costumes, artwork, and music that defined an era.

The museum captures the spirit of one of the most influential periods in music history. Learn more about it at Motown Museum.

20. Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne in Detroit, Michigan, is a historic military fort built in the 19th century. Its design was influenced by 17th-century French military engineer Sebastian Vauban.

The fort features a bastion-style rectangle structure. The United States Army used it until 1972.

Visitors can now explore this historic site which is a historic riverfront setting.

Significant updates to Fort Wayne’s design included the addition of birch and concrete in 1863, reflecting changes in military architecture over time.

It’s open to the public on limited weekend hours.

Historical Significance

Michigan’s architecture reflects both its early colonial past and its rise as an industrial powerhouse, showcasing a varied collection of structures with unique historical stories.

Early Architectural Developments

In Michigan’s early days, architecture was heavily influenced by its colonial history. The state was initially part of New France, and early structures like churches and forts reflected French colonial styles.

Examples include the Sainte Anne de Détroit Catholic Church, founded in 1701, which features French Gothic Revival architecture.

By the 1800s, Michigan saw Greek Revival and Gothic Revival styles emerge.

The Mission House on Mackinac Island (1820) is an example of Greek Revival architecture.

These styles reflected the European influences that settlers brought with them and adapted to the new environment.

Public buildings such as the Michigan State Capitol, completed in 1879, directly reflect Classical Revival style, indicating the state’s growing importance.

Homes from this era, like the Honolulu House (mid-1800s), designed by Abner Pratt in Marshall, Michigan, showcase unique personal histories intertwined with architectural styles.

Influence of Industrialization

The industrial revolution had a profound impact on Michigan’s architectural landscape.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of factory buildings and assembly plants, as Michigan became a hub for the automotive industry.

The Packard Automotive Plant in Detroit, built in 1903, exemplifies early industrial architecture with its utilitarian design.

Residential architecture also evolved to meet the needs of factory workers.

D.H. Day Barn, from the 1880s and 1890s, illustrates the large, functional spaces needed for agricultural and industrial activities.

Modernist architecture began to emerge in the mid-20th century, influenced by industrial design principles.

Architect Albert Kahn, known for designing factories, also contributed to modernist residential and commercial buildings with his minimalist designs.

This blend of functionality and aesthetics is evident in numerous Michigan buildings from that period.

Architectural Styles

Michigan’s architectural landscape showcases a variety of styles including Art Deco, Modernism, and Neoclassical.

Each style offers distinct elements, shapes, and historic significance, reflecting different periods of the state’s development.

Art Deco

Art Deco architecture in Michigan stands out with its bold geometric forms and vibrant decorative elements.

This style gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially during the 1920s and 1930s.

The Guardian Building in Detroit is a prime example of Art Deco. Its facade and interior feature colorful tiles, intricate metalwork, and stylized animal figures.

The use of stainless steel, glass, and terracotta is prevalent.

Angular and linear designs encapsulate the streamlined aesthetic typical of the Art Deco style.

Buildings often include motifs inspired by ancient Egypt, Aztec, and Mayan cultures, blending exoticism with modern engineering techniques.

Modernism

Modernist architecture in Michigan reflects the innovative spirit of the mid-20th century.

Cranbrook Educational Community in Bloomfield Hills is a significant site where Modernist design flourished.

Key features of Modernism include simplicity, functionalism, and the use of new materials like steel and reinforced concrete.

Flat roofs, open floor plans, and large glass windows emphasizing natural light and open spaces are common traits.

The movement also saw the incorporation of natural surroundings into architectural designs, creating harmony between buildings and their environments.

Neoclassical

Neoclassical architecture in Michigan is marked by grandeur and symmetry, often drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

The Michigan State Capitol, with its domed roof and grand columns, is a prominent example. This style emerged in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century.

Neoclassical buildings are characterized by their use of columns, domes, and pediments.

Decorative elements such as friezes, sculptures, and reliefs are common, often depicting historical and mythological themes.

The stone and marble materials used lend an air of permanence and authority, making these structures landmarks of civic pride and heritage.