Equity Chambers on Chatham St. in downtown Windsor, hides the story of its history behind a renovation. Looking at the architectural styling of the facade, I would guess this renovation took place in the late 1920’s. When the old City hall was demolished, and while the current one was under construction, Equity Chambers served as the interim City Hall in 1955 and 1956.
The building was originally built in 1911 as a Piano factory for the Grinnell Brothers of Detroit.
Walking through the alley you get a look at the original 1911 skin of the building.
On the western elevation, the name GRINNELL can still be made out right by the lampost. Compare the font to the one in the old photo above from 1913, and you can see that it’s a match.
A detail shot of the wall.
Unexpected parts of our history are hidden in plain sight. 🙂