The buildings were built at the same time, and were designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki to interrelate functionally, spatially, and architecturally.

[2] The buildings were constructed at a critical point in Yamasaki's career when he was experimenting with ornamentation, light and shadow, and the use of pools and gardens to soften perception of standard International Style architecture.

[1] In August 1955, Wayne State University hired architect Minoru Yamasaki to design the McGregor Memorial Conference Center.

[3] The commission came after Yamasaki's long convalescence and subsequent trip to Japan, and was his first opportunity to put into practice his re-envisionment of architecture.

[3] In 1957, Wayne State hired Yamasaki's firm to develop a master plan for the University's urban campus.

Part of the mall, on which the Helen L. DeRoy Auditorium now sits, had been occupied by the childhood home of Michigan governor G. Mennen Williams.

[2] The Meyer and Anna Prentis Building was constructed to meet the needs of Wayne State's growing Business School.

The $2.3 million construction cost for the new building was supported through the philanthropy of Federick Meyer Stuart (Stennett) and Anna Mae Prentis (McDonald).

After graduation, he worked first for a large mercantile firm, and then starting in 1904 at the Laclede Gas Light Company.

He was a founder of the United Foundation of Greater Detroit, an early leader of the Jewish Welfare Federation, a trustee and president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a trustee of the Temple Beth El, and a founding member of the Advisory Committee to Wayne State's new business school.

The Foundation funded numerous major projects, including expanding the Jewish Community Center located on Woodward Avenue at Holbrook Street, construction of a theater at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield, and a contributing to a number of Wayne State buildings.

A wide, off-center walk-through at ground level separates the building into north and south wings, and provides a view of the DeRoy Auditorium from Cass Avenue.

Two double glass doors off the walkway open onto a double-turned staircase leading to the basement level.

[2] The DeRoy Auditorium is a nearly square two-story windowless steel-frame building with a flat roof with broadly projecting eaves.

On all four sides, raised ribs are overlaid on the panels, terminating in Gothic arches just beneath the eaves.

[2] Planters and benches line the pool (now dry), and shallow stairs allow access on the north and south sides.

Yamasaki was working to differentiate himself by exploring ornamentation and the use of historical forms like arches and columns, as well as the use of light and shadow, and integral pools and gardens.