A gleaming Art Deco tower of stainless steel and aluminum, this 1930 high-rise remains Flint’s tallest building and most recognizable landmark downtown.
At a glance
Rising 16 stories above downtown Flint, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Building dominates the city skyline. Designed by architect Wirt C. Rowland and completed in 1930, it pioneered the use of stainless steel and aluminum in commercial architecture. Today it serves as headquarters for the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and remains an iconic presence in the urban landscape.
History
Completed in 1930, the building originally opened as the Union Industrial Bank Building, serving as headquarters for Union Industrial Bank. Rowland’s design reflected modernist confidence in industrial materials and sleek aesthetics. In 1944, Charles Stewart Mott acquired the building, and it has served as the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation’s headquarters ever since, eventually taking the philanthropist’s name. The building has appeared in films including Semi-Pro and All’s Faire in Love, extending its cultural reach beyond Flint.
What you see
Wirt C. Rowland’s design demonstrates innovative material choices for its era. Nirosta, a type of stainless steel, gleams in decorative elements throughout the public spaces, while aluminum frames the storefronts and windows. These lustrous metals catch light and weather differently, creating visual richness across the façade. The 16-story height was unprecedented for Flint, establishing the building as the city’s tallest structure.
Cultural significance
The building represents a pivotal moment in American commercial architecture when designers began experimenting with new materials to express modernity and progress. Its use of stainless steel in decorative contexts was groundbreaking for 1930. As Flint’s most iconic structure and the headquarters of a major philanthropic foundation, it embodies both architectural ambition and civic identity.
Key facts
- Location: Flint, Michigan, United States
- Completed: 1930
- Architect: Wirt C. Rowland
- Height: 16 stories
- Original name: Union Industrial Bank Building
- Coordinates: 43.016, −83.6902
Practical information & getting there
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Building is located in downtown Flint. You can view the exterior from the street; the building remains an active office space. For visiting hours or guided tours, contact the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation directly.
Sources & resources
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