The Federal Reserve hired the Chicago firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White to design it, and construction began in 1927.

In 1945, the Federal Reserve purchased lots adjacent to the building, and hired the firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls to design an annex.

After completion of the annex, the original building was gutted and renovated, and the entire complex opened in 1953.

[5] Gilbert began a $12 million renovation which was completed in 2013 and included a revamped mixed-use approach by Detroit-based architectural firm Rossetti.

The fourth floor of the original building was demolished to provide space for a penthouse projecting from the Annex, and a terrace for outdoor seating.

A heavy stringcourse above the second-story windows separates the lower floors from the third (attic) story.

The curtain walls are constructed from a grid of stainless steel from which 1-1/2" marble slabs are suspended.

The white marble used in this structure was carefully chosen to match the color of the original building, and the glass was tinted green to reduce glare.