DETROIT — Wayne State University evacuated one of its historic buildings Wednesday afternoon following a blaze that broke out inside the nearly 100-year-old structure.
Television footage captured dense black smoke billowing from upper floors of the 14-story Maccabees Building, an architectural landmark designed by Albert Kahn that sits along Woodward Avenue just north of Detroit’s downtown core.
University officials confirmed through social media that the blaze on the building’s 11th floor had been successfully contained, with no reported injuries. Investigators believe the fire originated within the building’s heating and cooling system.
The university has maintained ownership of the Maccabees Building for over two decades, housing various administrative offices including the Computer Science Department and African American Studies program. However, the facility typically doesn’t serve as a classroom location for students.
The building holds significant broadcasting history, having served as the original home for early radio and television production facilities. Notable programs including “The Lone Ranger” and “The Green Hornet” were broadcast from studios within the building beginning in the 1930s.
