The Durant Hotel stands as one of Flint’s most significant architectural landmarks, representing both the city’s meteoric rise during the automotive boom and its modern-day revitalization.

The hotel was born from an urgent need for luxury accommodations as Flint’s population exploded due to the success of General Motors. Named after William "Billy" C. Durant, the founder of GM, the project was financed by a group of investors that included civic leaders like C.S. Mott.

Construction began in 1919 and, after delays caused by World War I, the Durant Hotel opened on December 14, 1920. The eight-story, Neo-Georgian building featured 264 guest rooms and quickly became the "social headquarters" of the city. It hosted high-society weddings, auto industry conventions, and famous guests ranging from Frank Sinatra to Doris Day.

The Durant was more than just a hotel; it was a theater for Flint’s labor history. During the pivotal 1936–1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike, Michigan Governor Frank Murphy used the hotel as his headquarters to negotiate the settlement that eventually led to the recognition of the UAW.

In 1942, the building was purchased by the Albert Pick Hotels Corporation and became known as the Pick-Durant. During this era, it featured unique attractions like:

The Purple Cow: A popular coffee shop and restaurant.

The Wheel Room: A lounge where tables were shaped like steering wheels and the bar featured a Chevrolet logo.

As the automotive industry shifted and suburban motels gained popularity near new highways, the downtown landmark struggled. The hotel officially closed its doors in 1973. For over 30 years, the building sat vacant, becoming a symbol of urban decay. Its windows were boarded up, and its interior was stripped by scavengers, though its sturdy concrete structure remained intact.

The building’s fortunes changed in 2005 when it was acquired by the Genesee County Land Bank. After years of failed proposals, a $30 million renovation project led by the RKP Group began in 2008.

The building reopened in 2010 as The Durant, a modern residential complex featuring:

93 Loft Apartments: Geared toward students and professionals.

Commercial Space: Ground-floor retail and offices.

Restored Ballroom: Maintaining the original 1920s elegance for events.

Today, The Durant is a key anchor in downtown Flint’s "University Avenue Corridor," proving that historic preservation can serve as a catalyst for economic recovery.

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