Undergoing a series of renovations since its grand opening in 1924, the Book-Cadillac has been restored to its former glory.

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Real estate developers The Ferchill Group selected Cleveland-based Kaczmar Architects Inc. to lead a team of designers, engineers, and consultants from around the country not only to renovate the 32-story hotel, but also to provide three separate additions to this monumental structure. Working closely with Starwood Resorts & Hotels Worldwide, The Ferchill Group developed the building to include a full-service, 4-star Westin Hotel (complete with 453 guest rooms ranging from single king beds to multi-room suites), more than 39,000 square feet of event and conference space, and 65 new Westin-branded condominiums - totaling 92,000 square feet - on the upper floors with spectacular views of surrounding Detroit.  

After renovations were completed, the hotel boasts roughly 605,000 square feet. Total construction costs for the renovation totaled at $110 million.

Funding for the project reportedly came from an array of sources - including a $50 million mortgage by Fifth Third Bank, a Federal HUD loan of $18 million, and $12 million in equity investment. Nearly $11 million in investments for interior cleanup of the structure came from the Downtown Development Authority, along with an estimated $60 million worth of historic-renovation and brownfield tax credit.

In October of 2008, The Westin Book-Cadillac re-opened at a Grand Opening Gala celebration to critical acclaim.  Lauded by Starwood directors as the “Jewel of the Westins,” the hotel has received numerous national and local design & construction awards.

The famous Book-Cadillac Hotel will represent one of the more unusual sites for the EBC. Built in 1924, it was a famous luxury destination in downtown Detroit for 60 years.

Then it closed and was vacant for more than 20 years, its interiors stripped and looted. Looming empty over Michigan Avenue, it didn’t look like there would be a good ending for this historic building.

But a good ending did happen, and the new Westin Book Cadillac Detroit opened its doors on October 6, 2008. The 453-room hotel was completed following a two-year restoration at a cost of $200 million by owner and developer Ferchill Group. The 89,000 square foot, 32-floor building also includes The Westin Residences, seven floors of condominiums.

Architect Louis Kamper’s design for the Book-Cadillac was inspired by the Italian Renaissance. During this era he also designed and oversaw the construction of four other Detroit hotels: Carlton Plaza, Park Avenue, Royal Palm, and the Eddystone.

When the hotel opened it was the tallest building in Detroit and the tallest hotel in the world. The Book Cadillac Hotel building is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and was renovated according to National Park Service standards.