Best building winner: The Guardian Building

Axios

03-04-2025

Most tours of Detroit include the Guardian Building — and for good reason.
Why it matters: In a recent poll, our readers overwhelmingly crowned the Guardian Building as Detroit's top historic structure, celebrated for its colorful grandeur that evokes both churches and banks.
By the numbers: Out of 253 votes, the Guardian earned nearly 28% (70 votes), followed by the Fisher Building with 18% (45).
Michigan Central came in close behind with 15% (38), then the DIA, Belle Isle Conservatory, Masonic Temple and Renaissance Center.
Between the lines: Nearly 13% of you chose to write in a candidate. Reader Paul C. went with the First National Building — a historic downtown gem he says "doesn't get enough love." It was designed in a Z shape so its offices could get natural light.
Flashback: The Guardian Building was built for the Union Trust Co. with 1.8 million unique "Guardian orange"-colored bricks and opened in 1929, according to Historic Detroit.
The building's ornate three-story lobby showcases vibrant geometric Aztec designs, along with Rookwood and Pewabic pottery, per Historic Detroit.
Strangely enough, horsehair mats cover the ceiling in the lobby and the adjacent, stunningly constructed banking hall, making the space feel quieter than it should. Intricately painted canvas covers the hair.
The bottom line: The Fisher and Michigan Central get a lot of press, but the Guardian just couldn't be stopped.