Historical Society
Scholarship
22, April 2022
Wirt Rowland
Renowned architect, Wirt Rowland, known for his gothic styles in Detroit was born and
raised in our very own Clinton Michigan. Growing up he always knew he wanted to become an
architect and was inspired by his environment. He is most known for his work on building
throughout the city of Detroit. At first I had no idea about who Wirt Rowland was, but after
researching him and his work, he serves as an example to me of how determination and hard
work can help any dream come true.
Growing up Rowland always knew he wanted to become an architect. Setting that as his
dream job ever since the age of 8, he never stopped until his dreams became a reality.
Determined, he continued to draw sketches of buildings until at the age of 19, his drawings were
recognized by a Detroit firm Rogers & MacFarlane. Just over 11 years after he first stated he
wanted to become an architect he was finally on a path to make his dream of reality. This to me
shows that childhood dreams are not always some unattainable fantasy and that through hard
work and dedication, even through your teen years, nothing is ever impossible if you put your
mind to it.
For the next two years, Rowland worked under Rogers & MacFarlane until being hired
by architect George D. Mason. Under Mason, Rowland was his apprentice and was inspired by
him. During this time Rowland practiced, learned, and studied everything there was to know
about architecture. It was after this that Rowland went on to get formal training, after getting
accepted in Harvard’s Graduate School of Architecture. Once again Rowland’s dedication and
hard work habits paid off, allowing him to be accepted into one of the top universities in the
country.
After his education he went on to be the highest paid designer in Detroit. He has designed
some of the most iconic buildings including the General Motors Building, the Guardian
Building, and the First National Building. These buildings are part of the Detroit skyline and it
was because of Rowland’s design these buildings stand out. At the age of 8 I’m sure Rowland
would have no idea his dream of becoming an architect would have such an impact on the city of
Detroit. Rowland was a perfect example of why you should never give up on your dreams
because one day your building design could be towering over top of you.
In short, Wirt Rowland serves as an example to me as well as many others that hard work
and dedication can make your dreams come true. Now after learning about Rowland myself, he
is an example of the type of person I strive to be like and it is important to me to share his story
with others. From growing up in Clinton with a dream that would become a reality, to designing
some of the most iconic buildings in Detroit, Wirt Rowland is a perfect example of a person in
Clinton’s history who should not be forgotten.
References
Admin, Web. “Wirt Rowland Architect.” The Village of Clinton,
www.villageofclinton.org/community/wirt-rowland-architect.
HistoricDetroit.org, Denise McGeen for. Historic Detroit,
historicdetroit.org/architects/wirt-c-rowland.