Olympia Development’s Eddystone Project Nears Completion

KDG is excited that work is wrapping up and the first tenants have moved in at the Eddystone at 2701 Park Avenue in Detroit. The Eddystone is a historic thirteen-story 92-unit residential building originally built in 1924 and designed by Detroit architect Louis Kamper. This Italian Renaissance-style hotel was one of the hotels developed by L.W. Tuller within walking distance of the theater district and is now a key part of Olympia’s District Detroit.

Façade detail

Details and Signage at the Top of the West Façade

The interior design of the Eddystone brings an eclectic palette which celebrates mahogany wood paneling in the historic lobby and features hand-painted details on the lobby beams. The fine craft of the woodwork and painting are the works of Starky’s Construction and Julie Albanese, respectively. The woodwork details were drawn from historic photographs and measurements of remaining available existing material. The warmth and richness of materials along with historic details as accents are in concert with the principal design inspiration, the history of the building.

Main Lobby. Painting by Local Artist Johnny Floyd. Photo Courtesy of Rob Kohn, Ilitch Holdings

Hand-Painted Details in the Main Lobby

Signage and Lighting at the Residential Corridors

The project included a fine art program where KDG worked closely with Detroit Art Press and Bruce White Galleries to curate Detroit-based artwork throughout the common areas of the building. Works by over a dozen local artists are displayed throughout the building.

Residential Corridor with Art by local artist Katerina Friday in the Nook on the Right

Painting by Local Artist Paul Johnson at the Building Entrance

Painting by Local Artist Theresa Petersen

Apartment Kitchen (Dark)

Apartment Kitchen (Light)

Apartment Living Room and View

“The Press / 321 Apartments” Recognized as an Outstanding Construction Project of The Year by CAM Magazine

Last week Blake Drouillard, Project Architect accepted the award on behalf of KDG, also pictured are Cassandra Talley, Architectural Historian and Nate Lindsey, Senior Project Architect. Not pictured is Laura Mitchell, Project Lead, who headed the team from start to completion.

The Detroit Free Press Building, now known as The Press / 321 Apartments, is a fourteen-story office building clad in Indiana limestone occupying half a city block in Downtown Detroit. Starting in late 2016, KDG served as historic consultant and architect of record to Bedrock for core and shell restoration and alterations. The scope included replacement of all building systems, reconfiguration of the elevators and restoration of the facades. The historic building lobby and its notable barrel-vaulted plaster ceiling was restored as well as historic corridors on each floor.

Visit Our Detroit Free Press Project Page for More Information