Fisher Building Gold Leaf Roof

The building s hipped roof was originally covered with gold leaf tiles but during world war ii these tiles were covered in asphalt because it was feared that the reflective surface would attract enemy bombers.

Fisher building gold leaf roof. After the war the asphalt couldn t be removed from the gold tiles without harming them so they were replaced with green tiles. An amazing display of wealth and beauty this was built by the fisher bros as a hub of industry and commerce. The building has 21 elevators. Built in 1928 just before the great depression the fisher building s art deco design is the heart of new center.

The fisher building rises 30 stories with a roof height of 428 feet 130 m a top floor height of 339 feet 103 m and the spire reaching 444 feet 135 m. During world war ii the tiles were covered in asphalt out of fear that the reflective surface would attract enemy bombers. The l shaped fisher building was originally supposed to be a three building complex and the largest commercial building in the world. After the war the asphalt could not be removed without damaging the roof which was then covered with green tiles.

The ornate 30 story building completed in 1928 is one of the major works of architect albert kahn and is designed in an art deco style faced with limestone granite and several types of marble. Included is a premier theatre redecorated in the 1960s and is a pure example of midectury decor. During world war ii the tiles were covered with asphalt to reduce the building s prominence as a protection from enemy bomber pilots. The family sold their auto business to gm motors and used some of the proceeds to finance the fisher building.

Albert kahn and associates designed the building with joseph nathaniel french serving as chief architect. The building originally had gold leaf tiles on the roof. The building got its nickname of the golden tower because it was originally covered in gold leaf faced tile. The paper went on to predict that the fisher building would be to detroit what the eiffel tower is to paris the news wrote in january 1927 that the fisher was to the motor city as radio city is to new york city.

The building was designed by albert kahn and sits at 30 stories. It once sported a gold leaf tiled roof but was covered with asphalt during world war ii for fears of an enemy attack. The building s hipped roof was originally covered with gold leaf tiles.