This week, Streamline Moderne fans learned that the massive Greyhound Lines garage at 2300 W. Fort St. will be demolished. The massive warehouse was designed by the firm Harley, Ellington & Day, and completed in 1948.
Harley, Ellington & Day’s rendering for the new garage was first published in the Michigan Society of Architects’ March 1946 ‘Bulletin’. In October 1947, the same magazine praised their design for “the largest single bus garage in the United States.” By April 1949, they called it “the world’s largest bus garage.” No matter the distinction, with over 241,988 square feet of floor space, the building is certainly massive.
It also featured modern amenities for Greyhound drivers and mechanics. More than 500 buses a day could be serviced “in an operation similar to factory mass production,” with drive-through washing stations, fuel pumps and lubricating pits. Drivers relaxed in an air-conditioned lounge while waiting for their buses. They even had access to a tailor shop, lunchroom and nurse’s station while waiting.
Construction began in 1947, and the building was completed “in record time.” Work was overseen by Howard Gerlach of J.W. Harris Associates in New York. It cost $3,000,000 to construct. Detroit Mayor Eugene Van Antwerp cut the ceremonial tape at its grand opening in July 1948. R. W. Budd, President of Great Lakes Greyhound Lines, was also present.
While utilitarian in purpose, its facades exhibit “modern and streamlined” ribbons of windows and brick, as noted by the Detroit Free Press. Streamline Moderne architecture fans undoubtedly appreciate its rounded southwest corner and streamlined “GREYHOUND” logo along W. Fort Steet.
