Water Board Building (Detroit, Michigan)

The Water Board Building, officially known as the Water and Sewerage Department Building, is a historic office building located in Detroit, Michigan. It is situated at 735 Randolph Street, near the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.

Completed in 1965, the building served as the headquarters for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). The DWSD, under the jurisdiction of the city of Detroit, manages the water and sewer systems for a large portion of Southeast Michigan.

The building is an example of mid-century modern architecture, characterized by its rectangular form, use of glass and concrete, and clean lines. It stands as a significant representation of post-war municipal infrastructure development in Detroit.

The Water Board Building played a central role in the management of Detroit's vast water and sewer network, which provides services to millions of residents in the metropolitan area. The building housed administrative offices, engineering departments, and other divisions responsible for the planning, operation, and maintenance of the water and sewer systems.

The building has been subject to changing ownership and departmental use as the DWSD has undergone restructuring and regionalization efforts. While the DWSD continues to operate within the Detroit metropolitan area, the role and specific function of the building itself may have evolved over time. Historical records and documentation are maintained by the City of Detroit Archives and other relevant agencies.

The Water Board Building is often cited in discussions about Detroit's architectural history, municipal governance, and the challenges of managing large-scale urban infrastructure.