Hotel Pontchartrain, known today as the Crowne Plaza Detroit, was the first new Downtown hotel since the Great Depression.

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

Hotel lobby area in 2023

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

The hotel was built on an entire block along Jefferson, overlooking the Detroit River and the Huntington place exhibition Center.

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

The hotel's angular façade design allowed for every room in the hotel to have Riverfront views.

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

Hotel lobby in 2023

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

According to Crains News in a report from Nov 2022, the current owner is looking to revive a long-standing plan to build a second tower on the property.

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

A look at the modern design of the front entrance

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

Front entrance to main lobby

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

Front entrance facing the Detroit river

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

The hotel as seen from Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center)

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

Front lobby

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

A detailed view at the angular façade design

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

View at the Renaissance Center from the front door

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

A view at the Northeast elevation of the 25-story hotel

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org