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P.V. McNamara Federal Building

Exterior photo of the P.V. McNamara Fed. Bldg., Detroit, MI

477 Michigan Ave.
Detroit, MI  48226-2523

The Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building, designed in the Brutalist style of reinforced concrete with repeating motifs, opened in downtown Detroit in 1976. Named for Senator Patrick V. McNamara, who served from 1955–1966, the building features 983,928 square feet of rentable space. It occupies the full city block bound by Howard and Second streets and Cass and Michigan avenues. The most recent GSA Tenant Satisfaction Survey (spring 2008) reported more than 81% of the building's tenants are very satisfied with the building and GSA services.  In 2007 the building was the recipient of a Building Owners and Managers Association Government Office Building of the Year Award (TOBY).

Property Manager
Munir Muhammad, (313) 226-2106

For building services and information, contact the Michigan Service Center, using the contact information provided at the upper right of this page.

Building Access and Parking

The main entrance is located on Michigan Avenue. The building is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.– 5 p.m., but closed on federal holidays. All visitors must submit to security screening and present a valid ID card (such as a state driver’s license or federal ID) before being allowed to enter the building.

A Detroit People Mover station delivers riders immediately across Cass Avenue from the building. Parking meters in the immediate area are available for a maximum of two hours, while adjacent surface lots offer public parking for $5–$10 per day.

Building Amenities

  • A food court in the basement offers a variety of cafeteria-style meals, a salad bar, and a Subway restaurant. Cafeteria breakfast hours are 7–10 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m.– 1:30 p.m.  Subway is open from 10:30 a.m.– 2 p.m.
  • A convenience store is located on the first floor on the Cass Street side of the building. The store's hours are 7 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
  • A business center located next to the convenience store on the first floor features an ATM and UPS, FedEx, and USPS drop boxes.
  • The People's Choice Credit Union is open from 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. weekdays, except Wednesdays when hours are 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

The shortcut for this page is www.gsa.gov/pvmfb.

Last Reviewed 4/22/2009