A (non-political) question about Michigan Grand Station

[ailsagirl]

It's an amazing building and I'm glad it's a part of the US National Register of Historic Places, but my question is, why did it have 18 storeys? Was that part of the train station itself or was the tall building used for something else?



I am an aficionado of Beaux-Arts architecture and was just curious.

Thanks!

ailsagirl

[Cirque du So-What]

1. From Wikipedia:

The building is composed of two distinct parts: the train station itself and the 18-story tower. The roof height is 230 feet (70 m). Ideas as to what the tower was originally designed to include a hotel, offices for the rail company, or a combination of both. In reality, the tower was only used for office space by the Michigan Central Railroad and subsequent owners of the building. The tower was never completely utilized; the top floors were never completely furnished, and served no function.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Central_Station

I'm afraid the answer is somewhat political, considering that this building represents the last gasp of the Gilded Age - a monument to the egos of the robber barons. It is a nice building, however.

[ailsagirl]

2. Appreciate that

Interesting stuff-- thanks!

a.