Since opening in 2017, Detroit Foundation Hotel has helped to shift public perception about the current state of the city's downtown development.
The boutique hotel took over the former headquarters of the Detroit Fire Department that had been sitting empty since 2013 before being purchased by Chicago-based Arpium Hotel Group. The site, which opened in 2017, has been transformed into a 100-room hotel that includes an open floorplan bar and restaurant, The Apparatus Room.
Time Magazine, who curated "World's Greatest Places 2018" made its selections based on the nominations of museums, parks, hotels, bars, restaurants, etc. Each nomination was then carefully considered according to key factors which include "quality, originality, innovation, sustainability, and influence."
As to why the Detroit Foundation Hotel made the cut, Time's content strategy editor, Samantha Cooney had this to say:
"For proof that Detroit is bouncing back, look to its old, disused fire department headquarters. Last year, it reopened as the Detroit Foundation Hotel, a sleek residence that sources many of its elements—including wallpaper and minibar snacks—from local businesses. “This is a great American city,” says Michael Kitchen, who helped develop the hotel, “and we don’t let American cities die.”
Also included on the list were global attractions like China's Tianjin Binhai Library, Zaryadye Park in Moscow, and Iceland's Retreat at Blue Lagoon.
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