The 1926 Book Tower is one of the most recognized buildings in Detroit’s skyline. We were commissioned to update and expand the building’s programming and existing structures, creating 500,000 sf of residential, hospitality, retail and office space. Our primary objective was to restore the existing structure, preserving the architectural spirit of Louis Kamper’s original design, and create a narrative aligned with modern Detroit’s renewed walkability. We approached the renovation through careful research, using the few available historical photographs and one hand-drawn sketch to bring the original design back to life for the city. The exterior restoration included replacing 2,483 historically accurate windows, full restoration of the ornamental cornice and caryatid statues—while updating the building to meet contemporary safety codes. Inside, we sought to reestablish moments of historical and architectural significance essential to the tower's integrity. For example, we carefully reconstructed the 6,000-piece stained glass domed skylight in the three-story atrium, which involved a nearly two-year process of identifying how the geometric glass shapes would perfectly fit together through a series of 3D renderings and mock-ups. We also calibrated new lighting technology to evoke the diffused glow of a lantern, restoring the skylight's brilliance as a centerpiece of the building.
