This is one that has always interested me. Does anyone know the history of the Detroit Elevator Company?
Located on Franklin Street, the name always jumps out as so very different from the tool and die shops normally found around the area.
In 1922, the building was occupied by exactly that: The F. Joseph Lamb Co. – Machine and Tool Shop.
However the 1944 maps show the building as occupied by the Detroit Elevator Co.
So sometime between 1922 and 1944 they came into existence, when did they close?
According to http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/product-compint-0000529446-page.html it is still an active company in Ferndale.
There are also other references if you google the company name.
The Detroit Elevator company is still a family-owned business, now run by the third generation son. His grandfather worked for DEC before buying it in the early 40’s. They are one of the last independent elevator companies anywhere. The city kicked them out when they were going to put the casinos in Rivertown, and the company headquarters moved to Ferndale.
The building itself is very, very cool. There are hundred-year-old wood floor planks on the second floor in the shop, plus an old gated-door utility elevator (naturally) running between the two floors. The upper floor also has old industrial windows that open to views of the river. Old elevator parts still hang on the walls.
DEC is looking to sell the building. It’d be a fabulous place for unique and interesting lofts, so I hope they find a developer to buy it.
Detroit Elevator Company is still in existance, since 1914, and is located at 2121 Burdette, Ferndale, MI 48220, 248-591-7484.
The Franklin property is currently on the market and if anyone is interested, please contact the above number.
andy – you seem to know so much about the building and history of DECO. was very curious as to how you got this info
The Detroit Elevator Co. was founded in 1914 and according to the current Owner’s of the company said that the Detroit building was taken over in 1929 when the depression killed the tool and die shop and the original owners bought it. Hope that clears it up. Detroit Elevator company is now located in Ferndale.
Hi, Stacy and Sheri, I was wondering the same thing, or who’s son is he…