II
liEbETROITfiWISII HRONICLE
Pontiac People's State
Bank 3uilding
Supplement
Pontiac People's State
Bank Building
Supplement
THE ONLY ANGLO-JEWISH NEWSPAPER PRINTED IN MICHIGAN
DETROIT, MICHIGAN, FRIDAY, JULY 26, 1929
VOL. XXVIII. NO. 9
PEOPLE'S STATE BANK BUILDING OF PONTIAC,
MONUMENT TO ITS BUILDER, JACOB KOVINSKY
KOVINSKY—FOREMOST CITIZEN
By J. J. McQUAID
President Pontiac Real Estate Board.
J. Kovinsky is one of our foremost citizens and is
also one of the largest property owners in Pontiac.
The writer has known Mr. Kovinsky for the past 30
years since he first started in business.
His success has been rapid and he has the foresight
of a keen business man. He is a director of one of
the largest banks in Oakland County and we earnestly
hope that his success will continue until the end.
L
Pontiac s New People's Slate Rank Building
1
By EDWIN A. GILBERT
Probably nothing nuare signifi-
cant illustrating Pontiac's recent
development, may tie viewed, than
the completion of the new People's
State Bank Building. It is illde011
it tribute and a landmark to the
city. This edifice, with its faith-
ful sponsors, are deserving of much
praise,
APPRECIATION OF MR. KOVINSKY'S
ACHIEVEMENTS IN PONTIAC
Rising sixteen stories above the
street level, this lovely structure
embodies all the distinctive fea-
tures which comprise a building of
this kind. It is the result of the
splendid co-operation between own-
er and craftsman, and should do
much to foster similar projects
having the some artistic success.
The imposing mass of this build-
ing terminates with symbolic stat-
ues of heroic mould, growing out
of the terra (lath arches in the
form of Primitive Man, Indian in
character, These, together with
the Indian chief's head over the
banking room entrance represent
the founding of Pontiac. The
figures are flanked by If; American
eagles, perfect in sculpture, mod-
eled into the coping of the set-
back buttresses of the tower, in
the impressive scale that is char-
acteristic of the entire building,
By D. R. WILSON
President and General Manager Wilson Foundry & Machine Co.
I have known Mr. Kovinsky for 15 years, having
started to do business with him upon our arrival in
town when he was one of the very few scrap iron
dealers in this community, traveling around with one
horse and a wagon and making calls at the plant
almost daily—always willing and ready to co-operate
with a factory that was not much larger than his own
business. Our connection with him has lasted very
pleasantly through those 15 years and we still do
business with him.
Alrfl Kovinsky has been one of the outstanding
figures in the growth of Pontiac, always seeing oppor-
tunities in advance of the average merchant or manu-
facturer and, in seeing this advantage, takes it. He
has built up one of the finest business propositions in
the city, has more lease holdings on Saginaw street, I
believe, than any one other person in town. He always
has had faith in the growth of the cvity and is looked
upon as one of Pontiac's leading citizens, always will-
ing and ready to do his part in any'civic enterprise.
We congratulate him on the completion of the
finest bank and office building in the city and hope
that his last venture will be as successful as his many
previous ones.
(
d
/ j
The base of the building is of
rose pink polished granite, then,
continuing up for three stories is
paleseent pearl finished terra
cotta, selected After n nation-wide
search for an appropriate color and
texture.
The selection of a light buff
brick of a uniform travertine tone ,
of color emphasizes the delicacy of
v ertical lines in the main shaft of
the building, which is capped with
massive arches of a sunlight col-
or tone of terra cotta, has shown
itself to be a very happy combina-
tion of color, in fact, unusually so
for a building of this dignity and
scale, and the firm of the J. W
look ( orporation's architects of
the structure are to be lauded for,
their success in creating such au
architectural tribute. The choice
of materials, both exterior and in-
terior, was obviously made with .
the view of obtaining the very fin-
est. In executing this building,
the sponsors have stressed the
qualities of these materials to be
of paramount importance.
NEW BUILDING IS A MONUMENT TO
MR. KOVINSKY
By CRAMER SMITH
President, Pontiac Commercial Savings Bank.
The fifteen-story Bank and Office Building being
erected by Mr. Jacob Kovinsky on the corner of East
Lawrence and Saginaw Streets of this city is a splendid
tribute to him. It is an especial credit for the reason
that in the life of the city. it is only a few years ago
since Mr. and Mrs. Kovinsky came to our city penni-
less. Through hard work, thrift and careful attention
to business and investments. Mr. Kovinsky is now in
position and has erected this beautiful Bank and Office
Building, which is not only a great credit to him, but
a greater credit and value to the city of Pontiac.
Greater wealth may have been created by other
men in our city but their wealth has not returned to
the city, in many cases, as useful and valuable build-
ing improvement such as Mr. Kovinsky has found it
proper to do. This building will stand as a monument
to his vision and investment genius and I am pleased
to pay this tribute to him and hope that he and Mrs.
Kovinsky will both be rewarded with the investment
and pleasure and satisfaction that this splendid build-
ing will give them. Many times, as we know, such
buildings are erected by banks and corporations but
very few buildings of this size are built by individ-
uals.
I wish to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Kovinsky on
their courage and the splendid achievement accom-
plished through the completion of this fine structure
in the midst of our city.
Upon entering the building, one
finds the lobby extremely charm-
ing, flanked on either side by hand-
some bronze elevator doors which
give access to the new and speedy
Warner elevators. These elevators
are no located that they offer the
most desirable circulation for the
offices above. This feature is a
high spot in the plan of the build-
ing.
PONTIAC OFFICIALS LOOK TO
FUTURE IN BUILDING PROGRAM
Sri, for the construction Of the
• snit of a new City Ilall are
nag to take shills. and City
..cr Clifford W. Ilan an-
. d recently that no time will
.1 in getting a new building
way following the carrying
. .1141 issue at the May special
.•s, when an issue of $330.-
r a Citp Hall was approved.
of the building and fireproof con-
struction will be called for
throughout. In the basement will
he placed the vaults and stock-
rooms and the heating equipm -•nt,
the latter toeing left so it can be
extended eventually to take care
of the heating of any other build-
ings that may he built on the site.'
On the first floor will be placed
the departments taking care of
the public, such as the building in
spt•ctor, treasurer and tax collec-
tion department and the water col-
lector. The lobby will be large'
enought to accommodate the pub-
lic and an information desk will
be placed there. Elevator service
is to be provided
Administrative offices and a
commission chamber large enough
to seat 400 persons are to be lo-
cated on the second floor. The
third floor will be devoted to the
use of the engineering department
and the accounting division and
the fourth to the welfare and
health departments. Space on the
smaller fifth and sixth floors has
not been allotted at this time but'
would care for the overflow in all
the departments. It is proposed
to place somewhere in the building
where it would be convenient a
downtown branch of the city
library.
Retain Present Building.
There is no thought at this time
of placing either the police de-
partment or any part of the fire
department in the new building.
When the present City Hall is va-
cated it may be used for police
headquarters. There is no inten-
tion of tearing it down at this time
and its floor space will be utilized
for city purposes.
The proposed new City Hall will
have 36,500 square feet of floor
space. The city has 7,695 square
feet of floor space in its present
hall and with other quarters out-
side the building is now occupying
26,361 square feet of floor space.
It is paying a yearly rental of
411,118, which alone represents
the interest on $275,000 at the
.• location will be the new site
.• and Parke streets, where
, y is about to condemn six
of land. Part of the prop
io been purchased at a pri-
- d e and the rest is to he con-
1 in a suit to be filed in
court. As soon as the con-
a:ion matter is concluded
sill be started on the Cite
1 !
.11111 it should be completed by
•oring, according to 51r. 11am.
Plans for Future S:tes.
A•re will also be constructed,
ir, ndlition to the completed City
Ifi. . two other buildings, a munici-
jr• ..aditorium and a library, both
sit •hit+ will not be built until
sob • later date but must be taken
. consideration in laying out
th. site. There is no thought at
tins time of building either of
Os so two buildings but in study-
ing the completed plans the archi-
teci has placed them in his sketch.
It is not proposed at this tins-
.omplete even all of the City
Bali. Part of the tower and two
wings will be left for future con-
struction, the rest of the building
being large enough to take care of
the city's requirements at this
time. The unit will be construct-
ed, however, no it can be added to
later as more room is required.
City Manager Ham announced
that he and the City Commission
have in mind at present the con-
struction of a rectangular shaped
building 50 by 110 feet in size
which would have • basement and
four stories with these dimensions.
Two more floors 50 feet square
would be added and would eventu-
ally form part of the tower.
Brick and Stoma.
Brick and cut stone will be used
hi the development of the exterior, rate paid.
ARCHITECTURE OF
NEW BANK BUILDING
DETROITERS TAKE
A 96-YEAR LEASE
neither the $10,000 is to be held
and applied on the last year's
rental.
The deal was handled by A. I.
Nique, !Tailor, and by Philip 1 auh-
mtifi.
Lease Sold at Auction.
lease which has some time to run
so the transaction will not affect
the present tenant. it was said.
The property is owned by the
John Wilson Estate.
The terms of the lease sale were
not announced.
In speaking of the transfers Mr.
Seitner said: "Investment in
good business property in Pontiac
is one of the surest things avail-
able today. All live cities in
Southeastern Michigan have pros-
pered in the past few years, and
Pontiac has been right among the
leaders. Her growth and prosper-
ity will continue. There is a great
future here and it is for this that
I desire to have interests in your
city."
The purchases of Mr. Seitner
were handled through R. J. Brace.
From the lobby, the new home of
the Potpie's State Bank may lie en-
tered. It is indeed an impressive
sight to witness. The design of
this interior is quite symbolic of
the institution it houses. The de-
sign is executed in Premier Laredo
Chian) marble, a select importa-
tion from a special quarry from
the Spanish border near Italy, se-
cured by the ownc.rs after reject-
ing all other quarries and ship-
ments, which is in perfect harmony
with the exterior color scheme,
and also provides a beautiful set-
ting for the interior. Eight mar-
ble pillars dominate the banking
room and give it a restrained bril-
liance and dignity. The ceiling de
sign and color arrangement add
much warmth and richness to the
banking quarters, and do much to
enhance the interior. The public
square is more than adequate Allti
MA ride stairway leads to t he
vaults below. The directors' roan
is situated on the mezzanine. floor,
111111 the furnishings which have
been selected will contribute much
to this already handsome interior.
Throughout the entire building
and principally on the exterior, the
design and Ornament has la in
done in the modern style. The mod-
ern influence is rampant, and the
facade illustrates very delightful-
ly the manner in which the archi-
tects have eliminated the old, class-
ic feeling which characterized the
structures of a few years ago.
This edifice is a truthful Itxtires-
sion of what is behind it mid the
design does not attempt t i conceal
A thing. It is a frank statement
of the interior. rnil that is the fin-
est virtue a building may possess.
I The ancient problem of combin-
g in a happy manner, the prat. i-
cal with the aesthetic has torn very
successfully solved in the creation
of this building. Civic pride has
been manifested in • serious and
constructive way, and and only
Pontiac, but the entire state has
every reason to lie proud of this
architectural triumph.
A 93-year leave on 40 cod of
North Saginaw sires t business
frontage Was sold at auction for
$25,500. The property is at 87
North Saginaw, on the west side
of the street, and except for a one-
Pontiac real estate took on addi- story frame building, is undevel-
tional activity and four pieces of oped.
business frontage on Saginaw
The purchase was made by Wil-
street were involved in transac-
liam D. Bell, secretary of the
tions which have been completed.
Broad Land Company of Detroit.
Two long term leases were mild,
one at public auction; one busi- Terms of the sale were that 10 per
cent of the purchase price be paid
ness block was sold and a long
term lease was given on another at time of the sale and the balance
in 30 days.
70-foot piece in the deals.
The lease was sold by Herby S.
Israel and Bessie I.. Zilber of
Detroit have been given a 96. ear Coppin, and William Willitt of the
Joseph B. Day organization was
lease on property at the northwest
auctioneer. About 100 ~ aT%on+
corner of Patterson and South
Saginaw streets by Ward J. De- representing Pontiac and Detroit
firms were present.
---
Conick of Detroit.
The lease calls for an annual
Aubrey,
According to W.
The property fronts 09.45 feet rental of 06,000 a year until Sept.
managing
director
of the Waldron
on Saginaw street and 72.76 feet 1, 1936, and $7,500 annually from
on Patterson street. It is owned that date until the expiration of Hotel, Pontiac, that city now of-
fers to travelers hotel ac•omoda-
by John J. DeConick but because the lease, Sept. I, 2022.
tions equal to those obtainable in
he is an incompetent person an or-
The property is owned by the
larger cities. It has been the cus-
der was obtained in Judge Frank Edward Halsey estate.
tom in the past for men who conic
L. Doty's Court permitting the
Sigmund Seitner of Flint has
to Michigan to do business with
son, Ward J., to make the lease.
purchased one Saginaw street
The lease calls for $1,500 rent block and bought a long term lease Pontiac's industries to go to De-
troit nightly because Pontiac at
per month until July 31, 1939, on another.
after which the rental will he f 1.-
The building at 10 North Sagi- that time offered inferior stopping
152.75 a month for the remainder naw street a-as purchased by Mr. over facilities, he explained.
"However, since the completion Products Show 40 Pct. Gain
of the lease.
Seitner from Alpha Beaudette of
Under the terms of the agree- Beverly Hills, Cal.. for approxi- of the Waldron Hotel it is not
In Year. With Payrolls
ment the Zilbers will pay $10,000 mately *95,000. The frontage is necessary to WO to the larger city.
Up 28 Pct.
cash and have one of three courses 20 feet and the building is two The Waldron Hotel has 100 rooms,
of action in relation to the two- stories. The National Clothing it has over 70 tub and shower
baths,
soft
hot
water
is
furnished
Pontiac enjoyed what is de-
story building on the property: If Store is the present tenant.
E. 1.. Waite sold to Mr. Seitner o every room, there are suites with scribed as the greatest prosperity
they remodel the building to the
extent of $7,500 they will be re• • 99-year lekse on the property at twin beds and sample rooms are of any industrial city in the coun-
The available. The hotel enjoys an et- try, during the last year, accord-
funded $5,000 of their $10,000; if 7 North Saginaw street.
they erect a new block to cost not ground floor of the three-story ceptionally convenient location In ing to a report just compiled by E.
less than 160,000 the entire $10,- building is occupied by the Nisky the heart of Pontiac at Pike, Perry. •
(Turn to Page Two).
000 will be returned. If they doshoe store. This firm has a sub-and Mill streets.
Pieces of Land In-
volved in Rentals Total-
ing Millions.
Important
HOTEL RANKS
AMONG FINEST
PONTIAC INDUSTRY
SETS A HIGH MARK
THE MAYOR'S TRIBUTE
By CHARLES S. ROCKWELL
Mayor of Pontiac.
The new Kovinsky Building in Pontiac at the cor-
ner of Saginaw and Lawrence streets, is a wonderful
asset to our city. A fifteen story building in Pontiac
at this tints is ahnost unbelievable, and only a man of
great vision, such 104 Jake Kovinsky, could have vis-
ioned it at this tints. Mr. Kovinsky is to be congratu-
lated on this beautiful structure, and the City of Pon-
tiac is very happy to share in the congratulations.
A TRIBUTE TO MR. KOVINSKY
By Charles R. Talbot, Pdesident People's Slide Bank of Pontiac.
The Peoples State Bank Building of Pontiac is
indeed an outstanding and permanent tribute to the
vision and ability of Mr. Jacob Kovinsky, It is the
fulfillment of a dream by it man of action.
The City of Pontiac can well be proud of "Jake"
and hi:! achievements. We, in the bank, are greatly
gratified to have him so closely associated with t.s and
to have the benefit of his advice and counsel,
The Peoples State Bank Building marks the chang-
ing skyline of an industrial city, which is to be second
to none in this great manufacturing district of Michi-
gan.
A TRIBUTE TO MR. KOVINSKY'S
INDUSTRY, HONESTY, FORESIGHT
By HON. FRANK L DOTY
Circuit Judge
The Peoples State Bank building of Pontiac, Michi-
gan, is nearing completion and is a fitting tribute to
the wisdom, industry, honesty and foresight of Jake
Kovinsky.
This building is a notice, and will continue to serve
as such to all the world, that the young man in Amer-
ica does not need funds, influence or prestige in order
to succeed. Mr. Kovinsky came here with nothing
but a strong heart and a will to succeed, and this bank
building sim p ly indicates how well he has accom-
plished his purpose. We hope this building will tend
to perpetrate his memory, to in some way indicate to
the future generations the esteem in which he is held
by the present.
NEW BUILDING TO THE
CREDIT OF MR. KOVINSKY,
By JUDGE GLENN C. GILLESPIE
Of the Circuit Court
The new People's Bank Building which is just be-
ing completed by our esteemed townsman, Jacob Ko-
vinsky, is a credit to the city and a monument to the
energy and industry of Mr. Kovinsky. It is one of our
outstanding office buildings, and to Mr. Kovinsky be-
longs the credit for such a beautiful creation. I count
it indeed fortunate that we are able to number Mr.
Kovinsky among our progressive citizens.
AN EXPRESSION OF ADMIRATION
By. HON. FRANK L. COVERT
Judge of Circuit Court.
It gives me a great deal of pleasure to avail myself
of this opportunity to express my admiration and es-
teem for my friend Jacob Kovinsky.
I have known Mr. Kovinsky for many years, in
fact, ever since he first came to Pontiac, a poor Jew-
ish boy with no capital but a tremendous amount of
energy, a liking for hard work and a desire for ad-
vancement. With this equipment he has, in a few
short years, attained a position of prominence in this
city where he commands the respect and good will
of the citizens of Pontiac.
He has done much for the advancement of Pontiac,
efforts in erecting the present bank building
and
has given to this city a splendid type of modern office
building.
therefore, take this opportunity of expressing
my friendship for him and hope that he may enjoy
many years of active life.
FOUR BIG PLANTS
REPORT 29 342 MEN
NOW ON PAYROLLS
Nearly 40,000 men and women
are employed in Pontiac's indus-
tries, in her wholesale houses, her
public utility enterprises and in
her larger stores and business
firms.
The total of 39,:ini which marks
a new record fur the city and places
Pontiac in fourth place among all
the cities in Michigan in employ-
ment, is made at a time when em-
ployment ordinarily is far from its
peak who the city's larger automo-
tive plants are just beginning to
build up production toward the
spring months' rush.
Even this reronl total is certain
to be far surpassed within the next
few weeks. as the larger plants are
steadily adding to their payrolls.
On April I the Oakland Motor Car
company began use of its new
foundry, employing approximate-
ly 1,550 additional men.
The four large industries in Pon-
tiac are employing 29,342 men,
which is approximately 4,000 more
than these plants have had on their
payrolls at any one time in any
previous year. The Oakland Motor
Car company heads the list with
13.042 men employed, an all time
record for thin company. The Fis-
her Body, Wilson Foundry and
General Motors Truck are all at
new high levels.
The smaller factories of the city,
the whokthale houses, public utility
companies, the larger stores and
affiliated employing groups, such
as the Pontiac Real Estate Board,
Automotive Dealers' association,
the hospitals, the banks, Board of
Education, the City and County,
are today employing 10,064 men
and women.
This total does not take into con-
sideration the smaller stores not af-
tiliated with the Retail 51er:chants'
association or the individual offices
of which there are several hundred
■ 11 the city, a source of employment
shich would add hundreds more to
t he 10,000, total listed.
Pontiac s tremendous industrial
and cbminercial growth is indicated
by these employment figures which
were revealed today upon comple-
tion of an industrial survey made
by the Daily Press.
Despite the record employment
totals, industrial executives in
touch with the labor situation state
that there is a plentiful supply of
labor in Pontiac and Oakland coun-
ty to care for all needs.
Not only are the larger industrial
units adding new men each week
but the smaller employers of labor
state that they will be adding n,t-
terially to their payrolls as the y. or
advances, so that by summer 'vont
is every indicatiin that at ittabt
45,000 men and women will b e em-
ployed by these industr.c• and
fi rms.
A list exclusive of the four major
plants, of companies, firms, etc.,
which are now employing 1 0 10 or
more men includes the following:
American Forging & Sockt: Co.
Baldwin Rubber Co.
Board of Edu.ation.
Butterfield Theaters.
Chase's.
City of Pontiac.
Consumers Power Co.
Pontiac Daily Press.
Eames & Brown.
Eastern Michigan Railways.
Everett Winters.
Fuel Dealers' Exchange.
Grand Trunk.
Michgan Bell Telephone Co.
Oakland County.
Pontiac Commercial & Savings
Bank.
Pontiac Laundry.
Post °free.
Pyrale Construction Co.
Real Estate Employes.
Retail Merchants Association.
Pontiac State Hospital.