The Detroit times., 1910-05-12
BRusHABER' NEW
STORE TO OPEN
NEXT MONDAY
Modern Phelphs Building Is One OF
Finest Business Structures in City
and 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 10 say: Detroit Is a very beautf
full city, but is one-street town. 10
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
thoroughfaTes 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 II
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, a 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.
It is absolutely fireproof and many or
the latest ideas in architecture are
incorporated In II.
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 the
center OF the store Is large fixture
OF lnlaid wood with opalescent shades
The woodworks on the ground floor
are finished In golden oak and the
walls are tinted a 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 a light cream color with
a 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 demonstrs tions 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 a monument
To his father, who was one OF Detroit's
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 a sufficient guaranty OF the
Ereproof 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 no
tel, Heyn's Bazaar and the Newcomb'
Endicott Co.'S addition. The mar.
quise was furnished by the Detroit
(Continusd On Page seveR.)