Detroit Foundation Hotel named one of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ by Time

One of the most spectacular renovations in downtown Detroit in recent years is the Detroit Foundation Hotel. The longtime old Fire Department Headquarters has transformed into a chic hotel right across from Cobo Center. Anchored by the Apparatus Room, the redesign incorporates original details—tiling, marble, flooring—with salvaged wood, modern light fixtures, and Detroit art.

Photo by Michelle & Chris Gerard

Aparium Hotel Group led this gorgeous redevelopment, with design by McIntosh Poris Associates and Simeone Deary Design Group.

National outlets have noticed. Time just released its “World’s Greatest Places 2018,” including places to visit, stay, and eat. Along with Giraffe Manor in Kenya, a Treehouse in Sweden, and an EcoCamp in Chile, the Detroit Foundation Hotel has made the list. The short write-up says that the hotel is “proof that Detroit is bouncing back,” and quotes Aparium’s Michael Kitchen saying, “This is a great American city, and we don’t let American cities die.”

The Foundation Hotel is the first of a slew of new hotels opening in the Central Business District in recent years. The Siren Hotel opened earlier this year as a boutique hotel in the old Wurlitzer Building. Next up will be the extended stay Element Detroit Hotel in the Metropolitan Building and the expansive Shinola Hotel. We’re also expecting a West Elm Hotel to be constructed in Brush Park, and a boutique hotel conversion in Cass Corridor. Time for a visit or a staycation in the Motor City.