Historic Detroit

Every building in Detroit has a story — we're here to share it

Crowley's Department Store - Old photos

Crowley's in April 1977, when it was announced the store would close. Note the giant empty expanse - where Compuware is now. It is where the old Detroit Opera House once stood.

Crowley's in its days as Pardridge & Blackwell. Note the addition had not been put on yet.

Crowley's in April 1910, looking northeast on Monroe Street toward Randolph. The Hotel Ste. Claire is in the distance.

The bridge spanning Farmer Street that connected the two buildings in 1977, the year the landmark was leveled

Crowley's in 1963

Crowley's in 1960

Holiday shoppers in front of Crowley's in December 1932

Crowley's in May 1977, about two months before demolition began.

Crowley's in January 1977, shortly before closing

One of Crowley's escalators

The bridge spanning Farmer Street that connected the two buildings.

Crowley's in March 1937

Crowley's in June 1943

Crowley's entrance in April 1977

The Crowley's bridge in April 1977

By the end of the building's life, as seen here in April 1977, the interior had been vastly modernized.

Crowley's workers meet during a pro-union rally inside Crowley's in 1937

The Crowley arch in 1958.

The bridge spanning Farmer Street that connected the two buildings in May 1958

Crowley's in April 1977, shortly before closing

Crowley's in 1969

Crowley's, in its days as Pardridge & Blackwell (P&B)

The entrance to the department store, in its days as Pardridge & Blackwell.