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.

Building on the success of the recently opened Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney, the Element adaptive re-use 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 feature 2,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space on the second floor mezzanine level with attractive 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.

Click here to read the announcement of the development plans with partner Starwood Hotels.