Detroit Area Automotive Repair Shop Is An Architectural Icon
This building is a Woodward Avenue landmark thanks to a handful of scrap cars and the influence of one very well-known architect.
Whether you live in the Detroit area or you're just up there for a visit (such as the Woodward Dream Cruise), you've almost surely noticed Wetmore's Garage... even if you didn't know it. Located in the suburb of Ferndale, Wetmore's is most obvious while driving south on Woodward due to the yellow sedan poking out of the roof. Not only does this tradition date back almost 100 years, but its existence was influenced by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The car is definitely the most attention-grabbing element of Wetmore's, but Frank Lloyd Wright's involvement is what truly makes this building a Woodward Avenue landmark. According to the Ferndale Historical Society (page 5 of the linked pdf), Wright had submitted a design proposal for Wetmore's when it was a Packard dealership/repair shop, but these designs were not used for the construction of the building. This design can be seen during the video, and while the original dealership shape didn't happen, the Wright's original plans did feature a car positioned on the roof using a cantilever. Toward the end of Packard's existence, Wetmore's once again consulted with Wright who added some architectural styling to the shop's service office, and this still exists inside the building today.
The brick tower that frames the wobbly wheeled car also has a wheel and tire inlayed on each side for even more automotive architecture. Interestingly, the only maintenance required from the car on the roof is an annual belt change. Other than that, these Wetmore cars have been cruising Woodward nonstop since 1928.
SOURCE: motorious