San Telmo Cigar Factory
Detroit, MI
Architect:
Shelter Design Studios
104 W 4th St Suite 303
Royal Oak, MI 48067
General Contractor:
O’Brien Construction Company
966 Livernois Rd
Troy, Michigan 48083
- The San Telmo Cigar Manufacturing Company Plant No. 2 was built in 1910 by Albert Kahn
- Designated a Detroit Historic District. San Telmo is historically significant for its connection to the development of Michigan’s labor movement—especially for women’s fight for increased wages and working conditions
- Perhaps the last of Kahn’s buildings to use load bearing masonry walls to support the heavy timber floors and roof. This allowed the building to be rebuilt with the surviving masonry walls after a fire.
Key Project Facts:
Poe Restoration performed the exterior masonry restoration which largely returned the building to its original appearance. This included:
- Rebuilding the wall above the third floor windows
- Recreating the parapet detail and stone ornamentation
- Replacing steel beam/plate lintels
- Replacing and patching damaged stone sills, bands, copings, accents
- Replacing and rebuilding damaged brick
- Repointing mortar joints with historically appropriate mortar
- Cleaning and removing graffiti using gentle, non-damaging methods
- Coating all stone to protect and create a uniform appearance
