Next Up: The Fort Shelby is the Next Big Detroit Hotel Renovation

Downtown Detroit's Fort Shelby would have been the talk of the town any other year except this one with the reopening of the Book-Cadillac. However, now that the Book has swung its doors open, it's Fort Shelby's time to shine.

Excerpt:

The Fort Shelby opened in 1917 and was expanded in 1927. The newer, taller, westernmost portion of the structure was designed by Albert Kahn and houses the ballrooms and a grand marble staircase from the Lafayette-facing lobby.

It's been closed for 33 years, but all of this is being brought back to life, with an opening date projected for just after the holidays.

"Everything that can be restored is being restored," says Bill Aprill, the hotel's director of sales, as well as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide. He's proud to point out not only the staircase, but the exterior marble and brick – cleaned by hand – beautiful tile floors currently masked by construction dust and historic paint schemes that are being recreated.

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