Creating a Welcoming Workplace Rooted in Detroit’s History
Located in the heart of Detroit’s revitalized Book Tower, The Christman Company’s new office celebrates both legacy and innovation. As one of Michigan’s most respected construction companies, Christman sought a workspace that reflected its history of craftsmanship while supporting a culture of modern collaboration. The resulting design honors the architectural grandeur of its historic setting while introducing a fresh, contemporary sensibility that speaks to the company’s forward momentum.
The Book Tower, a Detroit landmark known for its ornate detail and storied past, set the tone for the project. Rather than concealing its history, the design embraces it. Original materials, textures, and detailing were preserved wherever possible, creating a direct connection between Christman’s work and Detroit’s broader architectural lineage. This respect for history is balanced with modern interventions—clean lines, refined finishes, and open layouts—that reinforce transparency, trust, and connection.
Within its 9,200-square-foot footprint, the office is designed for flexibility and hospitality. The space features a mix of private offices and open workstations, complemented by a variety of meeting rooms that accommodate different scales of interaction. Informal lounge areas and warm material palettes introduce a sense of welcome, positioning the office as both a workplace and a destination for client engagement. The result is a setting that blurs the boundaries between professional and personal connection, inviting clients to experience the company’s culture of partnership firsthand.
Every element of the environment supports adaptability and comfort. Flexible furniture systems, generous daylighting, and strategically located meeting zones empower employees to move seamlessly between focus work and collaboration. The office’s spatial rhythm—alternating between intimate spaces and open, shared zones—creates a balance of energy and calm that mirrors the rhythm of construction itself: deliberate, precise, and deeply human.
Beyond its physical qualities, the project reinforces Christman’s commitment to the city it has long helped shape. By investing in the Book Tower, the company contributes to Detroit’s continued resurgence while positioning itself within one of the city’s most iconic architectural restorations. The office stands as both a tribute to craftsmanship and a statement of confidence in Detroit’s future—a workspace that honors where the company has been while reflecting how it continues to build.
Through thoughtful design, HED helped The Christman Company create more than an office; it is a modern atelier for builders—a place where history, collaboration, and innovation meet in meaningful dialogue. The result is a workspace that feels distinctly Detroit: grounded in legacy, yet built for what comes next.
