CPA Building

The Conductors’ Protective Assurance company was founded in 1906, providing insurance and unemployment benefits to railroad officials. The organization had over 15,000 members in 1924, a testament to the wide use of railroads in America at the time.

Ground was broken in December of 1922, and work was completed two years later. The Detroit Free Press declared the CPA building to be “entirely modern,” noting that it featured electrical outlets and electric clocks. The first floor had two storefronts facing Michigan Avenue, while the floors above were laid out for offices.

Later tenants included the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a bank.

The building sold in 2014 to a development company, which initially sought to demolish it due to its deteriorated condition but were blocked by the Detroit city council. It is currently for lease.

The Conductors’ Protective Assurance company still lives on today in the form of the Locomotive Engineers and Conductors Mutual Protective Association, based in Southfield, MI.