Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects has broken ground on its first U.S. project, a mixed-use tower and associated masterplan in Detroit, Michigan. ?Monroe Blocks? will stitch together the heart of one of America?s most storied cities with a mix of modern office space, residential units, restaurants, retail, and outdoor public areas.

© Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects has broken ground on its first U.S. project, a mixed-use tower and associated masterplan in Detroit, Michigan. ?Monroe Blocks? will stitch together the heart of one of America?s most storied cities with a mix of modern office space, residential units, restaurants, retail, and outdoor public areas.The 12,500-square-meter site in Detroit?s Campus Martius Park, vacant for a generation, will be activated by 4,800 square meters of outdoor space, with the design team drawing on historical influences for the form and materiality of the new masterplan.
© Hayes Davidson

Sitting at a nexus between arts, culture, and manufacturing, the area around Monroe Blocks is lined with Italianate stone and brick buildings from the late nineteenth century, making up was historically known as Detroit?s first theater district.

© Forbes Massie Studio

During the design process, we were heavily inspired by Detroit?s strong architectural gems and original masterplan by Augustus Woodruff. Monroe Blocks will recreate this destination for work and leisure, and will mo...