Preservation in Progress: The Shvitz

historic properties and areas not normally open to tours. Each tour will have an expert on hand from the building to answer questions about its history, the progress and changes made, and plans for the future. The tour will also be accompanied by an established Preservation Detroit guide for a broader discussion of how each location figures into Detroit history.
Preservation in Progress tours begin and end at a single location and offer detailed, expert presentations on the challenges and rewards of preserving Detroit's historic legacy by the people doing the hard work. Some tours may require hard hats; all of the tours require comfortable, hard-toed shoes and a sense of adventure!
Since the Preservation in Progress tours are very intimate and are a one-time-only event, Preservation Detroit members will have early access to purchase tour tickets, as well as receive a discount on admission for these tours. 
The Schvitz, opened in 1930, is Detroit's oldest surviving bath house. For many years the meeting place and relaxation spot for the city's Russian and Polish Jewish population, the Schvitz holds memories of storied deals and business meetings within its walls. After having fallen into some disrepair, the Schvitz was recently reopened under new management. Its current owners are working hard to bring the grand old spa back to its former glory, with extensive work on the hot and cold pools as well as the beautiful tile surrounds and the private club rooms.
Our tour of the Schvitz will explore the building's origins as a rumored site of Detroit's Purple Gang and the building's use throughout the years. Schvitz managers will take us through rooms unopened to the public for many years and discuss the exciting new changes and updates being made to the club. 
Preservation Detroit members with active 2018 status will receive a $10 discount on tour pricing; please bring proof of membership or email mlyons@preservationdetroit.org for more details.