Bedrock has appointed ODA New York as the Design Architect for on one of the most ambitious and high-profile adaptive reuse projects in the heart of Downtown Detroit – the iconic Book Tower.
Known throughout the global architecture community for its innovative work on historically significant renovations like Rotterdam’s Postkantoor and New York City’s 10 Jay, ODA will apply its expertise to designing a mix of residential and hospitality, retail and office space at the Book Tower.
The 486,760 square-foot structure, which was designed by Louis Kemper in 1916 in an Italian Renaissance style, was originally built as an office tower and took a decade to complete.
Acquired by Bedrock in 2015, the extensive exterior restoration was recently completed, including the replacement of 2,483 historically-accurate windows and full restoration of the ornamental cornice complete with caryatid statues. A historic art glass skylight will be brought back to its original splendor as part of Bedrock’s work with ODA.
ODA’s strategic role is to update and expand on Book Tower’s programing and existing structures, creating nearly 500,000 square feet of downtown residential, hospitality, retail and office space.
The restoration of this 38-story landmark will provide an opportunity to create a cohesive civic vision for Washington Boulevard; bringing people, place, and events together. The building’s residents and guests will share amenity spaces throughout the different levels as well as awe-inspiring entertaining spaces on the roof of the Book Building portion of the property.
ODA’s plans include a blend of public and private space, including a variety of public amenities in the form of retail, galleries, restaurants and cafe many with open sightlines to Washington Boulevard and Grand River Avenue.
Accessible from multiple sides, the building will serve as a point of engagement in the city centre, unlocking its potential as a link between Grand Circus Park, all the way to the Cobo Center.
