By Staci Lawson, Alcorn State University The Millender Center is located on Jefferson Avenue, Between Brush & Randolph Street. It was named after Robert L. Millender, Sr., an attorney, political activist and campaign manager for Mayor Coleman Young. He encouraged and supported the candidacy of many in the African-American political community. They include former Secretary of State Richard Austin, Congressman John Conyers, several City of Detroit Council members, local judges, and several Wayne County Commissioners, just to name a few. In recognition of the historic contributions Robert Millender made to the City of Detroit, this building was dedicated to in his memory in the 1980's. The Center complex includes an Office Center, the Doubletreee Hotel, the 32-story Millender Center Apartment complex and a parking facility. The main lobby of the Millender Center features an original portrait of Robert L. Millender Sr., which was painted by the distinguished Detroit artist, Carl Owens. This complex is linked to the city by skywalks and the People Mover. A large Pewabic pottery mural can be seen inside the Millender Center People Mover Station. It was design by local African-American artist Alvin Loving, Jr. He is a nationally known painter and had worked at Detroit’s Pewabic Pottery, one of two active turn- of-the-century pottery studios in the country. |
