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Detroit led the world in architectural innovation during the first half of the last century, among the most important and influential of the city’s architects was Albert Kahn. Almost single-handedly, Kahn revolutionized factory design, enabling the high-volume, mass production of automobiles, aircraft, engines, weapons, and consumer products. Albert Kahn and his engineer brother, Julius Kahn, the inventor of modern reinforced concrete, transformed factories, warehouses, and office buildings from dark and dingy fire traps, into the strong, well lit, clean, and safe modern structures.By the late 1930s, Albert Kahn’s firm was the leading industrial architecture firm in the world, and was designing nearly 20 percent of all architect-designed industrial buildings in the United States. In Detroit, Kahn and his firm planned more than 400 structures, including The Fisher Building, General Motors Building, and The First National Bank building. From the towering smokestacks of The Ford Motor Highland Park Factory to the awe-inspiring size of The Rouge, Kahn’s team shaped the very skyline of Detroit.
Join The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation as we visit Albert Kahn’s most significant and influential buildings during this three hour tour that proves Detroit “Kahn Do It”.
Together with your Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation guide, you’ll learn about the varying styles and constructions of Kahn’s most notable buildings, as well as the revolutionary advancements made by the firm. From the rapid growth his factories stimulated, to his struggles as a new immigrant. From telephone companies to automotive giants, country clubs to synagogues. And everything in between we humbly invite you to explore Kahn’s Detroit.
This tour is being offered through a partnership between Detroit History Tours and The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation.
The tour leaves promptly. Late arrivals can not be accommodated.
This tour departs from The Detroit History Club, home of Detroit History Tours, 3103 Commor St., Hamtramck, MI 48212. Parking is on the street. Doors to the club open 30 minutes before ticketed times; guests are invited to come inside, check into the tour, and relax until the departure time. Bathrooms are available.
If you have a large group consider booking any of our fabulous tours as a private charter. We can arrange to pick your group up from any location, on any day and any time. Check out our Private Tours link for more information.
Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed to board the bus. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with all ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added service charges, fees, or tax.) Bottled water is provided free of charge onboard the tour.
Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed on the bus. Bottled water is provided at no cost and guests may bring snacks or nonalcoholic beverages on board, should they choose.
Meet Your Guide - Michael G Smith:
Michael G. Smith is a Detroit-area architecture historian with an interest in early twentieth-century building and construction. He is a founding board member of the Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation.
Michael is the author of Designing Detroit; Wirt Rowland and the rise of Modern American Architecture, numerous articles on Detroit's architectural history, and a forthcoming book on Julius and Albert Kahn. Designing Detroit was a winner of the Michigan History Award, selected as a Michigan Notable Book, and a Forward INDIES silver medal winner in the architecture category.
In 2022, Michael received the Balthazar Korab award from the American Institute of Architects, recognizing significant contributions to architecture and the arts.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
3103 Commor , Hamtramck, MI, United States, Michigan 48212
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