The New Center Area district was created by the migration of the professional-class as they moved north of the city. Most of the single and multi-family dwellings were constructed over a 25 year span from 1895 to 1920. The styles of homes include Neo-Georgian, Art and Crafts, Bungalow and Neo-Tudor. Many residents became concerned about retaining the integrity of the area, as Woodward became a major thoroughfare through the district. The Virginia Park Improvement Association was created to maintain the look of the region. The group re-landscaped subdivision entrances by adding greenery, ornamented brick walls and gates.
Most of the area was designed and constructed in the 1920’s, primarily by the Fisher Family. World-renowned architect Albert Kahn designed the area to become a “second downtown”. GM finished it’s headquarters, located at Second and Cass, in 1922. At the time, the building, standing 15 stories tall, was the second largest in the world in square footage. The building is now known as Cadillac Place.
The Fisher Building is still a notable landmark in the area. WJR and 96.3-DVD broadcast “high atop the Fisher Building” every day – beaming 50,000 watts of sound to several states. Take a little piece of Detroit home with you from the Pure Detroit store, located in the lobby.
For a blast of Motown past, take a walk through the Motown Museum. It is operated by some of the original folks and looks pretty much the way it did when Barry Gordy left it.