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The history of David Broderick Tower is gathered from many internet and text sources. Though every attempt is made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. All rights reserved.
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BuildingsOfDetroit.COM > Places > David Broderick Tower
| David Broderick Tower |
10 Witherell Street, Detroit
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| Status: |
Closed |
AKA: |
Eaton Tower, Woodward Towers |
| Style(s): |
Chicago School, Beaux-Art |
Architect
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Louis Kamper |
| Owner: |
Witherell Corp., c/o Michael Higgins
| Architectural Firm: |
Unknown |
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The David Broderick Tower with Wyland mural from Grand Circus Park |
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Originally called the Eaton Tower, after Theodore Horatio Eaton, an importer and dealer in chemicals and dye. This 34-story tower, built on the site of the Gladwin Building, was designed in in the 1927 by famed architect Louis Kamper, who also designed the Book-Cadillac, Book Tower, and many others. It is said to be modeled like a column with a chichago-school style base with a beaux-arts style top. The barrel coffered, dark-marble lobby leads tenants to the buildings five elevators.
Tenants included barber shops, dentists, and at one time a radio station.
In the 1940s, an insurance broker named David Broderick bought the building and named it after himself. He owned it up until his death in 1957.
Toward the 80s, the building struggled to hold tenants and closed in 1985. A bar had operated out of the first floor since the building closed, but it closed in 2005, leaving the tower entirely vacant before reopening as the "Pit Stop" in 2007.
Michigan born artist Wyland painted the whale mural titled 'Whale Tower' which was dedicated October 13th, 1997.
In May of 2005, a sign on the front doors, and a banner advertising JCBeal appeared on the building, who was chosen for construction on the building. No change has occurred at the building except for a change of a sign on the front doors.
During a phone call in January 2006 with JCBeal president Fred Beal, he stated that the Broderick Tower redevelopment is currently "in pursuit of finance, with a late summer start." He also stated the building's completion was set for early 2008.
On July 30th, 2006, a vinyl draping advertising Jeep was placed on the East elevation of the building, covering up the Whaling Wall. The owners of the structure had to appeal the Historic District Commission's decision to not allow the advertisement. The resulting ad will help cover renovation costs. The ad has been said to cover $600,000 of the renovation.
The current owner of the tower, Michael Higgins, also owns the Farwell Building.
Official Website: www.brodericktower.com |
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