In 1852, the site of the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit was home to Blindbury’s Hotel, later renamed the Antisdel House. By 1885, Detroit tobacco entrepreneur Daniel Scotten owned the property, turning it into a grocery and rental space. In 1888, Scotten transformed the site into the Cadillac Hotel, designed by architect John Scott, after razing the Antisdel House.
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
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Celebrating 100 of Hospitality Excellance
Iconic then, Iconic Now: Celebrating 100 Years of Hospitalty Excellance
On December 8, 1924, Detroit’s Book brothers transformed Washington Boulevard, known as the "Fifth Avenue of the Midwest," with the opening of the Book Cadillac Hotel, the world’s tallest hotel at 33 floors and 1,136 guestrooms. Designed by Louis Kamper in Italian Renaissance style, it became Detroit's premier address. Today, the Westin Book Cadillac stands proudly.
The Beginning (1852 - 1888)
The Cadillac Hotel Changes Ownership (1917- 1951)
In 1917, the Book brothers purchased the Cadillac Hotel and renovated it with architect Alvin E. Harley. In 1923, they announced plans for the new Book Cadillac Hotel, designed by Louis Kamper. It opened on December 8, 1924, as the world’s tallest hotel, with 33 floors and 1,136 rooms, and was later renamed the Sheraton-Cadillac in 1951.
The Changing Fortunes of Book Cadillac (1974 - 1993)
In 1974, the Sheraton-Cadillac closed, and a year later, it was sold to Herbert Weissberg and renamed Detroit-Cadillac. Radisson invested $6 million in renovations between 1976-77 but left by 1979. The hotel was renamed Book-Cadillac Plaza, with a multi-use plan reducing hotel rooms and adding offices. The hotel portion closed in 1984, and by 1986, the property was liquidated.
Revitalization and Renaissance (2008 - Present)
In 2006, the Ferchill Group began a $180 million redevelopment to build a 455-room luxury hotel and 67 upscale condos. A management contract was signed with Starwood Hotels, and in 2007, construction started on the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. The hotel officially opened on October 6, 2008. In 2022, Oxford Capital Group LLC bought the hotel and completed a $23 million revitalization in fall 2023.
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit x Detroit Historical Society Exhibit
Join us as we celebrate 100 years of the Book Cadillac. In collaboration with the Detroit Historical Museum, this exhibit explores the hotel’s fascinating history, from the Book brothers' vision for Washington Boulevard to its rise, fall, and grand reopening in 2008. Featuring photographs and artifacts, the exhibit highlights the hotel’s rich legacy. Open daily for self-guided tours from 11am-4pm.
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