As the autumn days darken, the city’s skyline shines a bit brighter.
The landmark red beacon atop the historic Penobscot Building was relit in a special ceremony Thursday night.
Hosted by Friedman Integrated Real Estate Solutions at the building’s lobby entrance, the event drew tenants, neighbors and city officials who watched Cynthia J. Pasky, CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions, throw the switch on the newly restored beacon.
“It looks great,” Pasky said after the ceremony. “For those of us who grew up in Detroit, that’s what we’re used to seeing.”
For decades the giant, blinking red ball capping architect Wirt Rowland’s 1928 art deco tower on Griswold has been one of downtown Detroit’s most distinctive features.
The building owners had decided to upgrade the beacon, which includes white bulbs that needed to be replaced by hand, Pasky said.
The restoration is symbolic of their efforts to boost the city’s revitalization, she said. For months, the owners have been working to update the building.
“They’re committed to trying to improve the building and fill it up,” Pasky said. “That’s what we need for Detroit.”
Watch the Official Friedman Penobscot Re-lighting Ceremony Video below:
Mark Hicks, Detroit News
