The New Center Building was designed by Albert Kahn and built by the Fisher Brothers in 1930 as a complement to its neighbor the Fisher Building. Now called The Kahn, residents of its new apartments can take in the view of the Fisher from the rooftop terraces.
Developers and city officials had a formal grand opening for the apartment building last week. Lutz Real Estate Investments and Northern Equities Group led the development, while Kraemer Design Group led the design. The 206-unit building is about 30 percent leased right now. Market-rate apartments run from $1,535 for studios to $4,500 for a penthouse. 20 percent of the apartments are leasing as affordable at 80 percent AMI.
The building itself is beautiful, but the details that went into the redevelopment especially stand out. The developers and Kraemer Design Group wanted to preserve its Art Deco aesthetic with a modern touch. Its 700 window frames are original, but new double pane glass was added. Lighting and fixtures throughout use modern materials with Art Deco design.
Kraemer Design Group Director of Design Jennifer Dwyer tells us that inspiration was taken from the materials in the building itself. Take the main lobby, with its marble walls, monochromatic striped stone floor, intricate painted plaster, fluted lights, and brass decoration.
“The use of bold, graphic stripes and brass accents are staples of the Art Deco style; therefore, we wanted to include them in deliberate ways that made a statement such as in the resident lobby, units, corridors and shared common spaces," says Ambrigail Smith, interior designer for the Kahn. "From the use of brass metal on the lighting fixtures and furniture, we wanted each space to sparkle and be awe-inspiring. Then, adding to that foundation we incorporated jewel tones into the Deco Lounge and corridor for a more captivating feel, while The Drafting Room is brighter in the finish choices.”
Residents have access to a rooftop terrace, a 3,000-square-foot gym, a more sophisticated lounge called the Drafting Room, and another lounge, the 1931 Room, with TVs and and games.
It's an added residential boost to New Center, which has seen more businesses fill storefronts along Woodward in recent years. The Albert Kahn Building was once home to a large Saks Fifth Avenue--ground floor retail is now available for lease at the building. Residents are just a block away from the Qline and bus lines, and close to MoGo stations. They're the kind of apartments you'd see downtown, but with more of a neighborhood feel to the area.
More photos can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.
