The Skillman Foundation

Founded in 1960, the Skillman Foundation acts as a voice for Detroit’s children and works to ensure they are prepared for and connected to excellent educational and economic opportunities.

Located within the Rivertown-Warehouse District along the Detroit Riverwalk and originally built in 1926, the historical building offers incredible views while providing access to some of the city’s most treasured monuments, enticing Skillman to stay and renovate their space rather than move to a new location. Upgrades to the space include reconfiguring the suite entrance, leveling of sloping floors and installation of new carpet, hallway renovations that maximize the amount of natural light within the space through the use of angled glass, technology and interior design updates in the Grantee Room, two kitchen remodels, toilet room modernization, additional storage and wellness rooms, a new brick paver patio space for social gatherings, and ADA compliant upgrades throughout. The team’s objective to reuse as many of the original materials as possible is best displayed in the lobby signage. The original lettering is surrounded by a colorful block mural created by children of the foundation. The suite’s existing doors were also recycled and upgraded by the addition of glass insets.