"A Gem of a Century"

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Detroit's YWCA lives on in the Gem/Century Building

In 1997, it became evident that the four Forbes-owned buildings located on the east side of Woodward Avenue and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, were designated for condemnation to make way for the construction of the Tigers and Lions Stadiums. These four historic buildings included the Gem Theatre, Century Club, the 1936 art deco Elwood Bar & Grill, and the 160,000 square foot YWCA, designed by the internationally noted architect Albert Kahn.

In April 1997, Forbes Management undertook the challenge to physically relocate the Gem, Century and Elwood, leaving the multi-story YWCA building to the Stadium Authority. In early 1998 these three buildings were placed at their new location at Madison and Brush, with the Elwood facing the proposed stadium projects at the intersection of Adams and Brush. A new 300-car parking garage was soon erected between the Gem/Century and the Elwood to accommodate the requirements of the Forbes-owned properties on this block.

In that the YWCA had to be left behind due to its size, negotiations with the Stadium Authority provided Forbes the ability to remove valuable and irreplaceable architectural items. As a result, many elements of the Gem/Century include items that were removed and rescued from the YWCA, and relocated as follows:

	One of three fireplaces that were dismantled and relocated to the Century. One is visible in the Century Grille and this one from the Century Grille Banquet Facility is engraved with a dedication to a beloved YWCA supporter. The hearth reads "Sarah Angell, Tibi Splendet Focus" which translates "Sarah Angell, This Hearth Burns for You."
	Architectural balustrade removed from the roof of the YWCA and relocated to the front of the Gem/Century on Madison Avenue, becoming the outside limestone pillared fence.
	Stained glass, created by Charles J. Connick of Boston, as it formerly lived in the YWCA Chapel. It is now inserted at the peak of the staircase on the third floor of the Century Building, and is a very popular spot for bridal photos. These panels represent the St. Francis Canticle in Praise of All Created Things.
	Pewabic tile removed from the Olympic-size swimming pool and placed on the bar fronts in the Century Theatre lobby and the Century Grille and also at the water fountains in the lower level Box Office area.