William Hannan, I believe, amassed a fortune in Detroit real estate early in the Twentieth Century. I think that he donated funds for the once-magnificent building that you see pictured above. However, I know little about Mr. Hannan and only a bit more about the history of this building. If you know about him and this building, please send a message to me at renf@umich.edu. Luella Hannan, who was, I believe, William Hannan’s widow, used some of her inheritance to establish the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation in 1925. This organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older residents of metropolitan Detroit. I think this foundation built a residence to provide single-room housing for the elderly at 4750 Woodward. The Hannan Foundation, apparently, reduced their efforts to house senior citizens and now uses their Woodward structure for their services programs. They also provide space for organizations providing services to Detroit’s senior citizens.
I do not know when the YMCA ceased using this building. I believe that a private individual purchased the structure and then defaulted on federal taxes, so the federal government became the owner of the decaying structure that you see. Perhaps one of the Washington agencies still holds title to this building. There is a gradual renovation of the neighborhoods bordering East Jefferson. Indeed, many rather expensive new homes have been built in the last decade in the neighborhood across East Jefferson near the Detroit River. Perhaps the Hannan Memorial YMCA building will eventually be converted into condominiums.
Architect: Robert O. Derrick
Architectural style: Some classical elements are visible
Date of Construction: 1927
Use in 2007: Vacant building
City of Detroit Designated Historic District: Not listed
State of Michigan Registry of Historic Sites: Not listed
National Register of Historic Places: Not listed
Photograph: Ren Farley; July 23, 2007
Description prepared: August, 2007