An Open House featuring local Interiors + Makers, produced by Design Core was hosted at a warehouse designed by Albert Kahn in 1912.
The building was originally used as an automotive factory by Standard Motor Truck Company. Letts Industries acquired the building in 1989, undertaking massive renovations within the last three years-, while keeping the historical integrity of the building in tact. This building is unique in that it was a first-gen modern auto factory, incorporating steel-reinforced concrete in its design.
The building still retains the original "martini-shaped" columns Kahn designed, a design element which appears to be one of his trademarks. Walking around, the coolest thing I saw was that the ceilings still had the line shafts and tracks created for Standard.
I seriously could not get over that- it was amazing to be able to see that LIVE! and in-person. I have always imagined what the interior of the Highland Park building (Kahn designed that one for Ford) looked like. It's such an important piece of history in the automotive industry- but I had never seen it. This gave me the actual opportunity to get some context of a similar building since they're both automotive factories.
The building was originally used as an automotive factory by Standard Motor Truck Company. Letts Industries acquired the building in 1989, undertaking massive renovations within the last three years-, while keeping the historical integrity of the building in tact. This building is unique in that it was a first-gen modern auto factory, incorporating steel-reinforced concrete in its design.
The building still retains the original "martini-shaped" columns Kahn designed, a design element which appears to be one of his trademarks. Walking around, the coolest thing I saw was that the ceilings still had the line shafts and tracks created for Standard.
I seriously could not get over that- it was amazing to be able to see that LIVE! and in-person. I have always imagined what the interior of the Highland Park building (Kahn designed that one for Ford) looked like. It's such an important piece of history in the automotive industry- but I had never seen it. This gave me the actual opportunity to get some context of a similar building since they're both automotive factories.
Currently housing an array of artists, small businesses, and design firms, the warehouse is used as offices, gallery and production space. The concept reminded me of Ponyride, and it seems like a collaborative environment.
