The true essence of Detroit’s resurgence is embodied in the Detroit Foundation Hotel, a striking symbol of the city’s resilience and bright future. This 100-room boutique hotel, once the Detroit Fire Department headquarters, now stands as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit and vision.

Nestled at the northeast corner of Washington Boulevard and West Larned Street, the Detroit Foundation Hotel merges two historic buildings, offering guests a unique glimpse into the city’s storied past. The five-story Neoclassical building, originally constructed in 1929, retains its old-world charm with straight, elegant lines and symmetrically aligned windows and doors.

The hotel’s transformation honors its history while embracing modernity. Upon entering through a grand, terra cotta-faced arch—once a fire engine door—visitors are greeted by a soaring story-and-a-half lobby that was once home to the station’s fire engines. The lobby now serves as a vibrant space housing the check-in area, retail shops, and the entrance to The Apparatus Room, the hotel’s renowned restaurant.

The Detroit Foundation Hotel’s interior showcases a seamless blend of historic elements and contemporary design. Original glazed white tiles celebrate the building’s heritage, harmonizing with modern finishes, decorative lighting, and curated shelving.

Firehouse Number One: Designed by Hans Gehrke and completed in 1929, this building was Detroit’s first fire station equipped to house motorized fire equipment. Its neoclassical design, with terra-cotta accents and outswinging bay doors, served as the Fire Department’s headquarters until 2014.

Pontchartrain Wine Cellars: The adjacent building, also incorporated into the hotel, was part of a $28 million renovation led by developer Walter Cohen in 2017. This ambitious project brought together Detroit’s design, art, architecture, and manufacturing communities, transforming the space into a luxurious hotel that pays homage to the city’s rich history.

The Apparatus Room: Spanning the entire ground floor, this space features restored fire-engine red doors, terra cotta panels, and intricate decorative elements inspired by the firehouse’s legacy, including busts of gryphons and winged serpent-tailed figures.

Guest Rooms: Each room is a curated experience, with salvaged trim and moldings as wall art, Fordite inlays in the headboards, and photographs of iconic Detroit landmarks as wallcoverings.

The Detroit Foundation Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a living narrative of Detroit’s past, present, and future—a place where history and modernity converge to create an unforgettable experience.

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