Fisher Building Activation

History

The Fisher brothers of the Fisher Body Corporation hired legendary architect Albert Kahn to create a magnificent building as a thanks to the city that delivered their success. It was to be an ode to the American work ethic and to American artisans. The Fisher brothers spared no expense in its creation as evidenced by its marble-clad façade, three-story, hand-painted barrel-vaulted ceiling, and extensive bronze detailing that has earned it recognition as Detroit's Largest Art Object. The Fisher Building was completed in 1928 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

The Fisher Building is also known for its illuminated golden tower. The original gold-leaf tiles were covered by asphalt during WWII and damaged as a result. They were replaced with green terra cotta tiles that are illuminated to create the golden tower of the Fisher Building.

Building Restoration

Since purchasing the Fisher Building in 2015, The Platform, as managing partner, has reactivated the Fisher Brothers' original vision of a premiere destination for office, retail and entertainment. Through restoration, activation and occupancy, The Platform has renewed the building’s iconic status and repositioned it to serve as a beacon for Detroit.

Since 2015, more than $24 million has been invested in building improvements. The magnificent hand-painted frescos atop the three-story Arcade have been restored. Building comfort and efficiency has been improved through a multi-million-dollar HVAC system that serves as a backbone for continued technology and efficiency improvements throughout the building. In addition, the fire suppression system and elevators have been upgraded and modernized.

A new phase of restoration focused on the Fisher Building’s façade is currently underway. Its 325,000-square-foot exterior is being surveyed to collect data and plan for repairs. The Fisher is the largest marble-clad commercial building in the world, making the undertaking both extensive and imperative to the building’s continued preservation.

Fisher 4th Floor

The Platform pays homage to the architect, artisans and artists who built this masterpiece by dedicating the 4th floor of the building to emerging creatives. A new generation of artists and designers are offered accessible space at a prominent address to house their studios — and, most importantly, exposure and opportunity to grow their practice. The 4th Floor is what happens when inspiring space is paired with talented people and potential opportunity. The Fisher 4th Floor is a UNESCO City of Design Partner Project.

Beacon Projects

Launched in 2016, Beacon Projects activate the building's three-story arcade with Detroit-centric cultural experiences that include art exhibitions, talks, symposiums and performances that are free and open to the public.

To date, Beacon Projects have included "MKR City" an exhibition honoring Detroit makers; the Fisher Halfpipe, a three-day skateboarding exhibition in the Fisher Arcade; "Detroit: The Dream is Now" a photo exhibition by Michel Arnaud; "Olayami Dabls: Absorb, Reflect, Transmit" an exhibition of works exploring the American Civil Rights movement by Olayami Dabls; and "Inside Out" a celebration of the shops at the Fisher by local artists.