Man Adds Piece of Detroit History to Home with Original Hudsons Elevator
A Timeless Piece of Detroit History
Located on Woodward Avenue, Hudson's consisted of approximately 33 levels: five basements, main floor, mezzanine, 2nd through 15th floors, 15 1/2 floor, 16th through 21st floors, 21 1/2 floor, and 22nd through 25th floors. Only the upper two basements through the 12th floor covered the entire footprint of the structure. A tower rose over 400 feet above the Farmer Street side.
We all have those special childhood memories that we wish we could revisit. Family vacations, special events, even those places we hold near and dear to our hearts. One Michigan man has such fond memories of a Detroit landmark that he brought a piece of it back to life in his own home.
Alex Begin of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan loved visiting the downtown J.L. Hudson store in Detroit as a child with his parents. The highlight for him was the over 50 elevators that serviced the 33 levels located on Woodward Avenue. Begin loved watching the elevator operators delivering patrons to their desired floors.
When Begin learned the store was closing back in 1983, he set his sights on capturing a piece of Detroit history to call his own. He decided to save two of the iconic elevators from the wrecking ball, but it wasn't easy.
The Elegance of Days Gone By
Owner Alex Begin loved the vibe the many elevators brought to the shopping experience at J.L. Hudson.. "The elevators were elegant, the operators were ambassadors for the store. It exemplified class in a way not seen today."
After years of discussion, denials with letters to Hudson's and subsequent owners of the building, finally in 1995 Begin was finally able to secure two of the majestic elevators as his own and placed them in storage. The question now was...what do we do with them?
For Begin and his wife the answer was simple...build a house fit for such a piece Detroit history. A few years back they did just that, and with the help of engineer Steven Stark of Detroit Elevator, the old equipment was made functional once again. "The pneumatic doors, the backlit clock-like floor position indicator, the floor call light tree in the cab...it all works!", Begin said.
“Detail is Everything. From the floor call light tree in the cab, to the detailed paneling, everything is just as it was. The engineer worked with the state of Michigan on reviving the antique technology and still meet code in order to operate.”
Keeping the elegant integrity was important to Begin, and with help from Vogue Furniture, the brass elements and the walnut paneling that we obtained from Hudson’s second floor men’s department were all refurbished. "We even have an original floorstanding sign directing shoppers to the elevators. It’s really a dream come true to see this important part of Detroit’s history brought back to life", said Begin.
Begin is thrilled to have such an incredible reminder of simpler days in Detroit as part of his home, but is still searching for one more element to complete the "experience". "We're still looking for a poster-sized store directory or other ad to place in the glass display cases".
As for the second elevator, it's for sale for those serious about taking a step back in time.
Details Right Down to Light Fixtures
Begin added the original dual globe lantern. Wood paneling and glass display cases are from the second floor men's department. How amazing to have this actually in your home!
Source:
Original Article Published on WCRZ
https://wcrz.com/man-adds-piece-of-detroit-history-to-home-with-original-hudsons-elevator/
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