The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1910-05-13
NEW
STORE To OPEN
NEXT MONDAY
Modern Phelps Building Is One OF
Finest Business Structures in City
and a Distinct Ornament To
Michigan-Ave.
Its Completion Marks Latest Step in
Transformation of This Popular
Business Street.

II was not SO many years ago that
outsiders, In speaking OF Detroit, were
wont TO say: Detroit Is q very beautl-
full city, but is a one-street town" To
great extent the verdict was true
one. then. II is different now. With
the advent OF the new century, Detroit
entered upon new era OF expansion,
with the result that great changes
have been wrought In the business
thoroughfares that were formerly
termed side streets. And none Of the
streets radiating from the city's hub
have undergone a greater transforms
ton than Michigan-ave., above Wayne
St, and particularly that portion or IL
lying between Wayne and Third-sts.
A striking example OF this transfer
nation Is seen in the magnificent
new Phelps building that has just been
completed at Michigan-ave. and First
St, replacing a row OF tumble-down
buildings where, few short months
ago, were housed pawnshops, second
hand stores and other enterprises or
similar character. The new building
will be occupied exclusively by the
Brushaber Co., progressive furniture
dealers, and the formal opening will
take place next Monday.
The new store Is q model OF COM
pleteness and without question one OF
the very finest, both in construction
and equipment, in the entire country.
II Is absolutely freproof and many or
the latest ideas In architecture are
Incorporated In 1t.
A feature Of the interior fitting are
the unique electrical fixtures found
throughout the establishment. Those
on the ground floor are OF solid quar-
tered oak, designed In mission style,
the lights being suspended by wooden
chains from the main fixture. In ths
center Of the store il a large fixture
Of inlaid wood with opalescent shades.
The woodworks on the ground floor
are finished in golden oak and the
walls are tinted light green. Along
the entire west wall Is q very taste
fully conceived messanine balcony.
The second floor Is done in mahog-
any, with fixtures TO match, the walls
being tinted light cream color with
white ceiling. On this floor will be
found one OF the largest rug racks
ever built II Is capable OF holding
400 full-sized rugs.
During the opening week, number
OF demonstrations OF an educational
nature will be given by representa-
tives Of several large manufacturing
concerns. A skilled cook will serve
light refreshments at one Of these
demonstrations.
The building was erected by Attor-
ney Ralph Phelps, Jr., as monument
to his father, who was one Of Detroits
foremost citizens. Mr.. Phelps aimed
to make the building a substantial
ornament TO the avenue and In this
he has succeeded.
The concrete work was done by the
Gabriel Concrete Reinforcement Co.,
which Is sufficient guaranty Of the
fsreproof quality OF the structure. In
the past three years this company has
Installed the famous Gabriel system In
many prominent new buildings In De-
troit, including the Pontchartrain ho-
tel, Heyn's Bazaar and the Newcomb-
Endicott Co.'S addition. The mar
Quise was furnished by the Detroit
(COntinued on Page seven.)