Completed in 1928, the Fisher Building is one of Detroit’s most celebrated architectural landmarks and is widely regarded as one of architect Albert Kahn’s great works. Built for the Fisher brothers after the sale of Fisher Body to General Motors, the building became an anchor of Detroit’s New Center district and a lasting symbol of the city’s automotive-era prosperity.

Known as “Detroit’s Largest Art Object,” the Fisher Building is recognized for its richly detailed Art Deco design, including its marble, mosaics, frescoes, brass, bronze, and ornamental metalwork. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

The restoration of the Fisher Building exterior storefront required the conservation of existing bronze doors and ornamental metal elements, along with the integration of new entrance systems designed to respect the historic character of the building.

As part of the project, Allen Architectural Metals restored the existing ornamental metal storefront, including stripping, cleaning, and relacquering the remaining historic material. New swing doors were fabricated and installed to replace the existing revolving doors, with custom hardware and door pulls produced by AAM to complement the original storefront design.

Working in coordination with the Christman Company and Curtis Glass, Allen Architectural Metals also provided historic metal cladding for the new storefront system, allowing the updated entrance to maintain visual continuity with the surrounding architectural metalwork.

Scope of Work

• Restoration of existing bronze doors and ornamental metal storefront
• Stripping, cleaning, and relacquering of remaining storefront elements
• Replacement of existing revolving doors with new swing doors
• Fabrication and installation of custom door pulls
• Coordination with Curtis Glass on the new storefront system
• Historic metal cladding for new storefront components
• Installation of new hardware compatible with the restored entrance

Technical Approach
The project required coordination between restored historic material and newly fabricated entrance components. Existing ornamental metal elements were cleaned and refinished to preserve their architectural character, while new storefront components were integrated with cladding designed to match the historic appearance of the original assembly.
Custom door pulls were fabricated by Allen Architectural Metals for the new swing doors, ensuring that the updated entrance system remained consistent with the building’s historic metalwork and overall design language.

Preservation Considerations
The Fisher Building storefront restoration reflects a preservation approach focused on continuity, compatibility, and craft. By retaining and refinishing existing ornamental metal elements while introducing new entrance components with historically sensitive cladding and custom hardware, the project balances modern functionality with respect for the building’s original architectural presence.

The result is a restored storefront that supports current use while maintaining the visual richness, material character, and historic identity of one of Detroit’s most recognizable landmarks.