In the heart of downtown Flint, at the corner of Saginaw and Second Streets, stands the Dryden Building, a structure steeped in history and shrouded in mystery. Built in 1902 by W.A. Paterson, a prominent carriage maker and developer, the building has long been a symbol of Flint’s thriving past. Named after Paterson’s wife, Mary Dryden, the building has seen over a century of life—and perhaps, it still houses those who refuse to leave.

The Dryden Building has survived fires, renovations, and the ebb and flow of Flint’s bustling downtown. But as the years have passed, so too have the stories of strange occurrences within its walls. Could it be that W.A. Paterson, or perhaps others from Flint’s bygone era, still linger in the place they once cherished?

One dark night, long after the shops had closed and the offices had emptied, an employee worked late in one of the building’s offices. She believed she was alone in the quiet, echoing halls of the Dryden. But as she worked, a sound broke the silence—footsteps on the stairs behind her. They started faintly, growing louder with each step, until they echoed through the empty building. The footsteps came closer and closer, but when she turned around to see who was there, she found nothing. The footsteps stopped as suddenly as they had begun, leaving her heart pounding in the eerie silence.

The third floor of the Dryden Building is known to be particularly active with ghostly energy. Over the years, many have reported seeing the shadowy figure of a man pacing the halls, his expression serious, as if he were deep in thought. Some have even heard the sounds of people moving up and down the stairs, though no one else is in sight.

But the most unsettling encounters happen when people try to approach the mysterious figure. More than one person has seen him walking down the hall, only for him to vanish into thin air as they drew near. Those who have glimpsed his face claim that it matches an old photograph of W.A. Paterson himself. Could it be that Paterson’s spirit still roams the building he once brought to life, ensuring that his legacy remains intact?

The third-floor restroom is another area where the building’s spectral inhabitants make their presence known. Many who enter report feeling an overwhelming sense of oppression, a heavy weight in the air that makes it hard to breathe. Some are so disturbed by the feeling that they quickly leave, opting to find another restroom on a different floor. What lingers in that space, making it so unsettling? Is it the spirit of someone who once worked in the building, or perhaps something darker?

As you walk through the halls of the Dryden Building today, it’s easy to imagine the bustling energy of its past. But as you pass through its echoing corridors, don’t be surprised if you feel a chill in the air, or if you hear footsteps where there should be none. The Dryden Building has a long history, and it seems that some of its former residents—like W.A. Paterson—may never have left.

Is it love for his creation that keeps Paterson here, protecting the masterpiece he built so long ago? Or are there other spirits, long forgotten by time, who remain in the shadows, unseen but ever present? The next time you visit the Dryden Building, take a moment to listen carefully. You might just hear the ghosts of Flint’s past, still walking the halls, still keeping watch.