History of the Julian C. Madison Building

Built in 1906, the building originally entered Detroit’s skyline as the Palmer Building, developed by Senator Thomas W. Palmer. It was designed by Albert Kahn in the Chicago-style tradition, rising six stories with a distinctive terra cotta façade.

At its inception, the Palmer Building housed a private club, professional offices, and street-level retail space—serving as both a social and commercial hub in downtown Detroit. Over time, it carried several names and functions, reflecting Detroit’s changing economy and culture.

In the 1980s, the property was purchased by the Madison family and later renamed in honor of Julian C. Madison, P.E., one of the nation’s pioneering African American engineers and business leaders. Today, the property is actively cared for and led by Sharon Madison, who continues her family’s legacy of leadership and commitment to Detroit.

With more than 60,000 square feet of space, the building has witnessed generations of Detroit’s business, civic, and cultural life. It remains one of the few Black-owned landmark properties in downtown Detroit, standing as a bridge between the city’s architectural heritage and its inclusive future.

Heritage & Legacy

The Madison Family & Detroit: A Legacy in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Community Development

Julian C. Madison, P.E., for whom the building is named, was among the first African American engineers in the nation, a graduate of Howard University, a U.S. Army veteran, and a civic leader who helped establish institutions such as the Urban League of Cleveland.

The Madison family acquired the historic property in downtown Detroit and renamed it to honor his legacy of excellence in engineering, leadership, and community service.

Sharon Madison, his daughter, is an urban planner, developer, and civic leader who now stewards the building and ensures its continued role in Detroit’s downtown fabric. Through her leadership, the property serves not only as a commercial hub but also as a symbol of Black ownership and stewardship in the city’s core.

Today, the Julian C. Madison Building supports Detroit’s arts and culture, civic engagement, and entrepreneurial growth, embodying a vision of progress rooted in community values.

Current Use

Today, the Julian C. Madison Building is more than a historic landmark — it is a living hub for entrepreneurship, technology, finance, arts, and community impact in the heart of downtown Detroit. With over 60,000 square feet of adaptable space, the building offers a mix of office, retail, and cultural environments that support Detroit’s next generation of leaders.

Together, these tenants create a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs, nonprofits, creatives, and civic leaders connect.

Tenants

  • Bamboo Detroit – coworking community for entrepreneurs and startups
  • Customized Service Group – business and professional services
    Detroit CARES Mentoring Movement – wellness and life skills experiences
    Detroit Food Policy Council – food justice and security advocacy
  • Echo Alpha – Detroit – advancing technology and innovation
  • First Merchants Bank – financial services
  • Madison Madison International  – planning, development, and consulting
  • Movement is Life – community wellness and advocacy
  • Painting With a Twist – arts and culture programming
  • P.T. in the D – wellness and personal training practice
  • The Allen Lewis Agency – communications and brand strategy
  • The Think Shop Architects – architecture and design
  • University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (UM-SEAS)

Strategic Location. Flexible Spaces.

Centrally located in downtown Detroit, the Julian C. Madison Building sits at the crossroads of the city’s civic, cultural, and economic life. Its proximity to City Hall, major corporations, financial institutions, universities, and cultural venues makes it a natural gathering point for business and community leadership.

The building offers more than 60,000 square feet of flexible, adaptive space designed to meet the needs of today’s entrepreneurs and organizations, including:

  • Private offices for established firms
  • Coworking and shared workspaces for startups and creatives
  • Retail and cultural space connected to downtown’s street-level energy
  • Event and meeting areas suitable for workshops, pitch sessions, and community gatherings

Together, these spaces create an environment where innovation, culture, and community converge.

Why It Matters

As one of the few Black-owned landmark buildings in downtown Detroit, the Julian C. Madison Building represents more than real estate. It is a living symbol of equity, resilience, and legacy – connecting Detroit’s storied past to its innovative future, while ensuring that opportunity in the city’s core is accessible to all.

Contact Us

The Julian C. Madison Building
1420 Washington Boulevard
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(313) 963-6110
info@juliancmadisonbuilding.com