7 Iconic Buildings to Explore in Macomb County

Checkout places to visit in Macomb County

Macomb County

Macomb County, Michigan is a county located in the eastern part of the state. It is nestled between Lake St. Clair and the Huron River, giving it a variety of different resources and environments that attract visitors from all over. This can include activities like fishing, boating, swimming as well as plenty of biking and hiking trails among lush green parks and woods. The area also has an abundance of historical sites including old churches, battlefields and other landmarks that give insight i

Activities Around

Iconic Buildings to Explore in Macomb County

Fisher Building

This National Historic Landmark was designed by the renowned architecture firm of Smith, Hinchman and Grylls, with J. Ivan Dybvig as lead designer. Completed in 1929, the building stands over fourteen stories tall and has a striking white terra cotta exterior. The interior of the building is equally stunning; it is decorated with numerous architectural flourishes throughout its eighty-five thousand square feet of floor space.

Ford House

Ford House serves as the former home of Edsel and Eleanor Ford. This grand estate stands on 22 acres of lush land that offers stunning views of Lake St. Clair. The residence was designed by famous architect Albert Kahn and features a spacious showroom for Mr. Ford's classic car collections; an inviting living room decorated with fine art and antiques; six bedrooms featuring lavish furnishings; as well as an array of other details that make this house unlike any other.

Friends of the Octagon House

The Friends of the Octagon House are dedicated to the restoration and preservation of this historic building. With a stunning eight-sided structure, the Octagon House is one of the few rare and unique octagon houses still surviving in Michigan. The Friends of organization provides support and educational resources to local schools and works to keep alive an important piece of Macomb County history through events, lectures, community projects and stewardship partnerships.

General Motors Heritage Center

The General Motors Heritage Center is a popular spot for those who love cars and enjoy the sights of automotive history. Originally built to house GM’s corporate vehicle collection, today the center also serves to commemorate General Motor’s accomplishments since its founding in 1908 throughout their expansive exhibit galleries. Visitors can locate artifacts from many of the different era's that GM has left its mark on ranging from 1930, right up to the 2000s.

Guardian Building

The Guardian Building is a historic skyscraper in the Art Deco style. It is a marvel of engineering and architectural artistry. Built in 1929 and standing at 47 stories tall, it remains one of the most iconic buildings in the state. The exterior stepped terracotta facade features evocative geometric patterns, providing a stunning and unique view for the public. Inside, beautiful original marble walls line the hallways, creating an atmosphere that's both elegant and comforting.

The GMRENCEN

The GMRENCEN is one of the largest and well-known office destinations in the area. Located near I-94, this grand 800,000 square foot facility boasts a variety of notable amenities. Standing 23 stories tall, it features beautiful outdoor gardens, stunning views of the Detroit River and a climate controlled skywalk that connects to many restaurants and shops. The complex also includes an award winning hotel associated with The Westin Hotels & Resorts brand.

The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site

The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site is an awe-inspiring location where automobiles were tested during the early 20th century. The Rolls Royce of that period, Packard Motor Co., used the sprawling 3,500 acres of land as a testing facility for engines and chassis designs. With a network of roads that comprised more than 20 miles, these grounds enabled engineers to effectively test out new innovations.

Map of Iconic Buildings to explore in Macomb County