Michigan Bell Telephone Company, Built In 1925

315-323 East Washington Street

Michigan Bell Telephone Company, 1925
Creators: Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls, inc.; Kapp, William

The design of this building is attributed to William Kapp of Smith, Hinchman and Grylls, a Detroit firm of architects which has designed several buildings for Michigan Bell. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, trained in the Beaux Arts tradition, Kapp incorporated in his design many of the characteristics of that style. Notable is the use of terra cotta tiles instead of carved stone (a relatively new technique at the time), outstanding capitals and arches, and bricks curved at the windows. The molds for the terra cotta tiles were designed by Mr. Kapp.

William Kapp's other buildings include the University Club and Players Club in Detroit, the Country Club in Grosse Pointe, Meadowbrook Hall, and the Rackham School on the University of Michigan campus.