Bedrock’s Book Tower Launches a New Chapter in Downtown Detroit

March 20, 2023


  • As one of the largest adaptive reuse projects in Michigan, Book Tower will bring new and unique opportunities to live, work, meet, celebrate, dine and stay in downtown Detroit

  • Book Tower reemerges as an architectural gem and anchor of the Detroit skyline following a more than $300 million historic restoration

  • Bedrock will begin pre-leasing The Residences at Book Tower in April 2023

CLICK HERE FOR HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES AND HERE FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR

March 20, 2023 [DETROIT]—Bedrock invites the world to discover a new chapter of Book Tower as the downtown Detroit property’s 7-year, $300 million-plus historic restoration approaches completion. Five hundred thousand square feet and 38 floors have been masterfully crafted into 229 residential units, 117 ROOST Apartment Hotel accommodations and 52,000 square feet of retail, office including three new dining options. Located at 1265 Washington Boulevard, Book Tower will also offer co-working, meeting, and event space, in addition to an activated alleyway. This spring, the storied landmark will make its highly anticipated return and begin to provide unparalleled and multi-faceted experiences.

“Eight years ago, I said that Book Tower would be the most game changing and exciting redevelopment project in Detroit,” said Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Rocket Companies. “Today, we are thrilled as we prepare to re-open one of the most iconic, and interesting buildings in the entire city. Detroiters have always recognized the importance and historic significance of Book Tower, and we are ready to honor that sentiment as we put into service and deliver the meticulously restored property back to the community.”

Where Every Story Has a Story

Built in 1926 by the Book Brothers, Book Tower was the tallest building in Detroit at the time of completion. Today, it remains one of the most architecturally renowned buildings in the Midwest and one of the most intriguing reuse projects in Michigan.

Following its 2015 acquisition of the Louis Kamper-designed, Italian Renaissance Revival style building, Bedrock embarked on a comprehensive, historic restoration of Book Tower. The building was originally found in a state of disrepair, after sitting vacant for over a decade, including destroyed century-old plaster ceiling tiles, shattered marble wainscoting, and exposed electrical and plumbing systems.

Bedrock engaged distinguished partners including the award-winning New York-based architecture firm, ODA, for architecture and interior renovation as well as Detroit-based Brinker/Christman on construction and Kraemer Design Group on historic preservation. Balancing the iconic character and charm of the Book while creating a contemporary, accessible and unique destination was the leading strategy of Bedrock’s plan.

“When we acquired Book Tower, Bedrock took on more than just a dilapidated building­—we inherited an iconic property that held a century of Detroit’s history and elegance,” said Kofi Bonner, chief executive officer at Bedrock. “We understood the special place Book Tower holds in the hearts of Detroiters and we made sure our work was approached with the utmost thought, care and intention. Book Tower will soon be reborn as a space for residents, visitors and guests to gather and create new stories—once again building on its legacy as this city’s true architectural gem.”

A Journey for the Books

After three years priming the structure for re-development, Bedrock and its partners:

  • Recreated and hand painted more than 7,000 square feet of ornate ceiling tiles to match the original designs and color of the structure.

  • Reinstalled 50,000 square feet of marble.

  • Replaced all 2,483 windows with modern, historically accurate versions to increase energy efficiency.

  • Restored 29 caryatids on the exterior of the building.

  • Adapted the former office spaces into 46 unique floor plans for apartments and hotel rooms.

  • Refitted the rooftop event space with a 2,200 square foot skylight.

  • Repaired the building’s original travertine floors.

  • Revealed the classic, limestone façade for the first time in years.

With more than 7,000 individual glass jewels and 6,000 glass panels, Book Tower’s architectural centerpiece is a gleaming original 1920s art-glass skylight. The crown jewel illuminates The Rotunda, a newly unveiled three-story, marble-arched atrium that serves as the grand entryway for guests and residents.

The Residences at Book Tower

A premier downtown address—Book Tower’s collection of 229 studio, one- and two-bedroom units boast 46 unique floor plans and amenities such as:

  • The Terrace Club: an indoor/outdoor lounge with sweeping city views, the spacious terrace features a fireplace, a kitchenette and comfortable seating on floor 14.

  • The Rotunda: a marble arched atrium that greets guests with seating and an airy lobby bar beneath the breathtaking skylight.

  • The Study: a 3,000 square feet co-working space for residents and hotel guests, with views of Washington Boulevard and The Rotunda.

  • Fitness Center: a 24/7 private exercise facility for residents and hotel guests, complete with state-of-the-art equipment.

  • An entertaining suite for hosting events such as private dinner parties.

  • 300-space parking garage, attached and covered for convenience.

The Residences incorporate oversized windows for natural light, quartz countertops, European white oak flooring, stainless-steel appliances and ensuite washers and dryers. Residents of this preeminent development are also within steps of Book Tower’s dining offerings, an activated alleyway and Capitol Park’s nearby greenspace.

Pre-leasing opportunities, including tours of The Residences, will be available in April. A portion of the units will be reserved as affordable housing for those making at or below 80% of the area median income.

For inquiries regarding The Residences at Book Tower and to reserve a tour, please visit BookTowerDetroit.com.

Discover a New Chapter

Book Tower will house Detroit’s first ROOST Apartment Hotel, 117 thoughtfully designed extended stay accommodations with boutique hotel features. Operated by acclaimed hospitality company Method Co. and set to open by early summer, ROOST Book Tower provides a stylish option for travelers with apartment dwellings which feature full-sized kitchens and modern appliances in a beautifully-designed space, plus the perks of a hotel and residential amenities.

Book Tower will also offer a selection of dining, bar and event experiences that will debut later this year, also operated by Method Co. The main level will include a new-to-market French restaurant, featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner service, as well as a boulangerie. A bar in The Rotunda creates a scenic location for coffee and tea service in the morning, light bites throughout the day, and handcrafted cocktails in the evening, while the lower levels of Book Tower will host a Japanese restaurant and sake pub.

Additional experiences will be available at an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar and within an 8,000 square foot, skylit event space for special occasions, meetings and milestone celebrations. Book Tower will also unveil an activated alleyway featuring original artwork, foliage and furnishings. The space may be reserved for private events and restaurant seating. For Book Tower event inquiries, tour requests and bookings, please visit BookTowerDetroit.com.

With the burgeoning restaurant and retail scene in downtown Detroit, Book Tower is poised to further transform the Washington Boulevard Historic District and attract Detroiters and visitors to experience this new chapter. The story continues with additional announcements later this year.

Please visit BookTowerDetroit.com and follow @BookTowerDetroit for updates and information.

About Bedrock

Bedrock is a full-service real estate firm specializing in innovative city-building strategies, reaching far beyond the boundaries of bricks and mortar. Since its founding in 2011, Bedrock and its affiliates have invested and committed more than $5.6 billion to acquiring and developing more than 100 properties in Detroit and Cleveland, including landmark developments such as the Hudson’s Site, the Book Tower restoration, City Modern and the May Company Building.

Bedrock’s portfolio totals more than 19 million square feet of office, retail and residential space within new construction and adaptive reuse projects. 

For more information on Bedrock’s projects, visit bedrockdetroit.com or engage with us on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn