Metropolitan Building to Become Element Detroit Hotel

Another iconic Detroit building is coming back to life. No really, we have details this time.

The historic Metropolitan Building will be seeing a renovation over the next couple years, eventually becoming an upscale mixed-use development called the Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building. It's owned and developed by Metropolitan Hotel Partners, LLC, a joint venture between Detroit-based Means Group and the Roxbury Group. According to the press release, the hotel will have "110 light-filled rooms and an atmosphere designed to fuel a life in balance and on the move." Lovely! It's slated to open July 2018.

Element Hotels

The 14-story neo-gothic Metropolitan Building was designed by the Detroit firm of Weston and Ellington and opened in 1925 as a jewelry emporium, housing diamond cutters, goldsmiths, and silver workers on the upper floors and retail on the lower levels. Much like the recently opened Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney (also redeveloped by the Roxbury Group), this project will include the restoration of the hotel’s exterior and a top-to-bottom renovation of the interior, while preserving elements of the Metropolitan Building’s original ornate lobby and mezzanine. The 100,000-square-foot building will have 2,000 square feet of meeting space on the second floor mezzanine level with views of the city skyline, approximately 7,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor and lower level, and an outdoor patio on the 11th floor rear rooftop.

This will be an extended-stay hotel, which should make our readers happy. The Element will have lots of natural light, a modern design, healthy options, and eco-minded sensibilities. It will have complimentary healthy breakfasts and evening wine receptions for guests.

Element Hotels

Spacious studios and one-bedroom suites at Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building will have modular furniture, fully equipped kitchens, and spa-inspired bathrooms. They'll also have complimentary bikes!

"The new Element will help meet demand for high-caliber extended stay lodging in downtown Detroit, as well as address the growing demand for business and leisure travel to downtown, particularly given its close proximity to the city’s top entertainment attractions," said David Di Rita, with the Roxbury Group. "With its historic appeal, smart design and diverse offerings, Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building will serve an important role in the growth of the city and in our ongoing drive to preserve the City’s architectural gems."

This along with the Wurlitzer redevelopment should be fun to watch in the next couple years.

• Downtown Development Authority Approves Hotel Plan for Metropolitan [Curbed Detroit]

• ASH Design Moves Ahead with Hotel Plan for Wurlitzer Building [Curbed Detroit]