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A SPECIAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PHOTOSTORY SERIES
FEATURING OUTSTANDING BUSINESSES AND BUSINESS PEOPLE
IN THIS ISSUE THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON
THE BATH DESIGN CENTER
"I think we're the best; says Jim
Harris of The Bath Design Center
in Royal Oak.
Jim isn't reluctant to express his enthusiasm
for The Bath Design Center. "We have a wide
selection of very fine plumbing products, and
we have a lot of experience in design and
application. We specialize in fine European
lines of decorative plumbing fixtures and
accessories," He says with pride, "and we
were the first in this area to offer such high
tech, high quality and superior style
The Bath Design Center, a division of Great
Lakes Plumbing Supply Co., was founded 26
years ago by Jim's father, Herschel Harris.
The showroorh itself, was developed 5 years
ago after Herschel visited a fine retail plumb-
ing store in Los Angeles. He browsed at the
L.A. store for "... hours and hours'.' And upon
his return, inspired by the clever plumbing
store, he instituted his own division.
"Detroiters had no local place to view really
fine plumbing,' says Herschel. "If you were ,
working with a designer or decorator, you had
to go to New York or L.A.;' Well no more. The
Bath Design Center at 216 E. Harrison in
Royal Oak, boasts some of the finest lines
available. Extensively displayed, under one
roof, and is barely more than a stones throw
away.
At first glance, the quantity and character of
displayed wares boggles the mind. The set-
tings range from crisp to languorous, casual
to formal; the moods from clinical to cool to
romantic. And the styles cover it all — from
classic to cosmic-high-tech, and a few un-
definables. The bathroom was never like
this! Neither was the. kitchen.
"When we started the Center',' says Jim,
"there were few lines of decorative plumbing
available — mostly very expensive, and not of
the best quality. But through the years we've
developed our representation and now carry a
broad selection of first quality product lines, all
from makers who really back-up their
products!' "We deal only in those lines that
we can have absolute confidence in;' he
adds, "and we've got the buying power to
allow for exceptionally reasonable pricing on
the top-quality, high-style merchandise we
carry: It does not need to be a major renova-
tion, you can simply upgrade the sinks and
faucets in your own home without going into
great expense.
High-Tech tub-spa in a delightful deco setting.
Jim and his father, Herschel Harris, tour-guiding through
an extensive display of fine faucet fixtures.
Sculptural shapes, rich colorations, and innovative designs stimulate the senses...and ideas.
These faucets are not merely faucets ...
these sinks not just sinks, the tubs and yes,
even the toilets are, well ... somehow more
than one has seen in any other showroom.
The tubs include claw footed classics and
sleek designs that are wide, long, deep and
spacious. Let's not forget their assortment of
spas and hot tubs. Sculptural — Beautiful —
and diverse in colors, such elegance in a bath,
allows you to relax in a fantasy of rich oils and
marble floors.
So many designs, styles, colors—it's like looking in a candy case.
The names are like the "designer" labels of
the industry. "Dombracht" —Jim begins','
magnificent styling, top quality; Bormix —
very contemporary and high style; Grohe —
probably one of the best faucets in the world
...yet moderately priced; Syncromix (Italian
design) technologically superior with micro
ceramic discs for very precise temperature
control; and Margot (French design) faucet
fixtures, distributed in the tri-state area ex-
clusively through the Bath Design Center!'
"Another exclusive': offers Herschel, "is our
own line of very fine laminated lays — de-
signed and manufactured by us and available
only here at The Center. We also do custom
designs'.' So, undeniably., any individuals bath
needs, desires, or fantisies can be easily
satisfied at the Bath Design Center.
Laminated lava in unique, ultra-modem,
pedestaled or wall mounted designs—
created by, and available only at, The Center.
"But what you see is not all you get;' says
Jim. "1 — besides our great displays, we've
got a great catalog collection thatyou can
order from; 2 —We've got the nuts and bolts
part of the project covered too...pipes/pumps/
valves/tools and all plumbing material —
everything needed for a fast, co-ordinated,
easy, and complete job; 3 — We don't just
supply products — we also work closely with
you, and your builder or designer. Our people
are all professionals, with the range and depth
of expert knowledge, and years and years of
experience, to help bring it all together and
smooth the installation; 4 — We guarantee all
our work, and stand behind all our products!'
There is no need to wait for a special occasion
to improve your home. It simply makes good
financial sense to improve on your home.
Many of our items are in stock, but some
products must be ordered, which requires
time. So don't wait until the last minute to get
started. Come on out and browse, you'll be
happy you did.
Regarding Do-it-yourself: "We do have
experienced, qualified people to help you with
your project',' says Herschel with a wrinkled
brow of concern, "but unless you really know
what your're doing, we recommend that you
contract the work out. We can refer you to a
number of very reliable contractors!' Then,
with a warm smile: "What we're really con-
cerned with is making as sure as pOssible
that every project ends with the job done
right and the customer fully satisfied.
That's what satisfies us:'
Jim and Herschel extend an open invitation to
"...come have fun browsing through the
showroom at The Bath Design Centers.' "Or
give us a call at 542-8404',' grins Jim; "that's
all it takes to get started on that fabulous
project you've been wanting to do!"
Outstanding.
aPtiOted4>41000e191.040CKOM
STORY AND GRAPHICS: DAVID AGREE
PHOTOS: TERRY LUKE
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