(2508) Buildings, City Hall, Demolition, Detroit, 1961

Demolition workers attempt dig out the time capsule placed inside the cornerstone of the Old City Hall Building 90 years prior.

The building, a Renaissance Revival landmark created by architect James Anderson, took nearly 10 years to complete and was dedicated on July 4, 1871. Located on Campus Martius, it served as the base for most city and county government offices in Detroit until the completion of the City-County Building in 1957. It was demolished throughout August and September of 1961 amidst protest from the historic preservation community.