ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Historic 1905 Cadillac Plant Transformed into Amsterdam Lofts Housing by McIntosh Poris Architects

architecture-design · 2026-04-09

McIntosh Poris Architects has transformed the historic Cadillac assembly plant from 1905 into the Amsterdam Lofts, which now boasts 90 residential units. This project cleverly blends the building's rich history with contemporary living. Originally designed by George Mason and engineer Julius Kahn, this factory was groundbreaking for being the first reinforced-concrete automobile factory in the world and was completed in just 67 days. The 74,000-square-foot structure is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been meticulously restored to keep its original facade intact. Features like the column grid and exposed brick have been preserved, while loading docks became private patios. The development, commissioned by Greatwater Opportunity Capital, is located near the Detroit Institute of the Arts.

Key facts

  • McIntosh Poris Architects converted a 1905 Cadillac assembly plant into Amsterdam Lofts housing
  • The project created 90 residential units in a 74,000-square-foot, 3-story building
  • The building is the world's first reinforced-concrete automobile factory
  • The structure was designed by George Mason and Julius Kahn using the Kahn System
  • The factory was built in just 67 days using innovative construction methods
  • The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
  • Original features preserved include the facade, column grid, and glass block entryway
  • Greatwater Opportunity Capital commissioned the project with multiple consulting firms

Entities

Artists

  • George Mason
  • Julius Kahn
  • Albert Kahn
  • Michael Poris
  • John D'Angelo

Institutions

  • McIntosh Poris Architects
  • Detroit Institute of the Arts
  • National Register of Historic Places
  • Cadillac
  • Westcott Paper Products
  • Greatwater Opportunity Capital
  • Kidorf Preservation
  • Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation
  • Jonna Construction
  • Giffels Webster
  • Resurget Engineering
  • Matrix Consulting Engineers

Locations

  • Detroit
  • United States
  • Michigan

Sources