Building, Pilgrim Village, since 1930
NSO Bell Building
Standing and open
- Opened
- 1930
- Style
- Art Deco
- Standing
- 96 years
Designed by Smith, Hinchman & Grylls and Wirt C. Rowland
The NSO Bell Building has stood on Oakman Blvd. in Pilgrim Village since 1930, 96 years and counting. Who built it, what makes it special and how to see it for yourself.
NSO Bell Building today, from the street
What is there now
Standing and open
- Electrical permit Installation of EV Chargers and supporting electrical equipment Source: City and county building permits
We checked building permits, sales, listings and the city's blight and demolition files on October 25, 2026. Nothing new at this address in the last two years.
The story
In 1930, through the Depression years, when every new building in Detroit was a statement of faith, the NSO Bell Building opened in Pilgrim Village.
The design came from Wirt C. Rowland and Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, working in Art Deco.
It is still open, and still part of daily life in the city.
Next time you are nearby, stop at 882 Oakman Blvd and look up.
Timeline
- 1930 Built Designed by Smith, Hinchman & Grylls and Wirt C. Rowland
- 2025 Electrical permit March 24, 2025
- 2026 Today 96 years and still standing
Where it is
882 Oakman Blvd.
Who made it
Architect
Smith, Hinchman & GryllsAmerican architectural and engineering company, founded 1853. Designed the Penobscot Building (1928) and 68 more in Metro Detroit
Also by Smith, Hinchman & Grylls
Architect
Wirt C. RowlandAmerican architect, 1878 to 1946. Designed the Guardian Building (1929) and 11 more in Metro Detroit
Also by Wirt C. Rowland
More from Detroit in the 1930s
-
Brodhead Naval Armory
Building, built 1930, Art Deco/Art Moderne, by Stratton & Hyde
Photo: Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
-
Denby High School
School, built 1930, Art Deco, by Smith, Hinchman & Grylls
Photo: Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
-
Ambassador Bridge
Structure, built 1929, by Jonathan Jones
Photo: Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
-
David Stott Building
Skyscraper, built 1929, Art Deco, by John Donaldson
Photo: Einar Einarsson Kvara aka Carptrash, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
-
Cooley High School
School, built 1928, Mediterranean Revival, by Donaldson & Meier, demolished 2026
Photo: Chuckjav, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
-
Broderick Tower
Structure, built 1927, Beaux Arts, by Louis Kamper
Photo: St8fan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Around the block
It is in Pilgrim Village. See the neighborhood's homes, pros and story.
-
Michigan Bell and Western Electric Warehouse
Building, built 1929, Art Deco, by Field, Hinchman & Smith
Photo: Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
160 ft
-
Highland Park General Hospital
Building, built 1918, Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals
Photo: Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
0.7 mi
-
Medbury's-Grove Lawn Subdivisions Historic District
Historic district, Colonial Revival, by Leonard B. Willeke
Photo: Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
0.7 mi
Photo credits
Every photo on this page is used under its license, named here with its author and a link to the original.
- NSO Bell Building from the street today Photo: Street View, 2026
Sources
Facts only, gathered from these sources. The story above is written by Rebuild Detroit. Every photo names its author and license where it appears.