Old West Side Historic District

Old West Side Historic District. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this residential area is a premier example of a late-19th and early-20th century streetcar suburb. Developed primarily between the 1880s and 1920s, the district showcases the architectural transition from ornate Victorian styles to the simpler forms of the Craftsman and Colonial Revival movements. Its preservation offers a tangible link to the period when railroad expansion and the establishment of the University of Michigan fueled the city's growth and suburban development.

History

The district's origins are tied to the post-Civil War growth of Ann Arbor, spurred by the expansion of the University of Michigan and improved transportation. The arrival of the streetcar along West Huron Street in the 1890s catalyzed development, transforming farmland into a desirable residential enclave for university professors, local business owners, and professionals. Early developers like Robert M. Kedzie and the Ann Arbor Land Company platted the area, attracting a socially progressive community; it was among the first in the city to have utilities like natural gas and telephone service installed. The neighborhood's growth paralleled key events in the city's history, including the leadership of mayors like Samuel Beach and the economic influence of local industries such as the Ann Arbor Buggy Company.

Architecture

The architectural landscape is a chronologically dense catalog of popular American domestic styles from the 1870s through the 1930s. High-style Queen Anne and Stick-Eastlake houses, often featuring intricate woodwork, stained glass, and complex rooflines, represent the earliest period. This gives way to the more restrained forms of the Colonial Revival and the Craftsman styles, the latter emphasizing natural materials, exposed structural elements, and handcrafted detail. Also present are examples of Tudor Revival, Neoclassical, and Shingle Style homes, with architects like George D. Mason and Spaulding and Furman contributing designs. The consistent use of materials like brick, clapboard, and cobblestone in construction creates a cohesive streetscape.

Geography and location

The district is situated immediately west of downtown Ann Arbor, roughly bounded by West Huron Street to the north, Main Street to the east, West Madison Street to the south, and extending toward the Ann Arbor Railroad tracks to the west. Its location on a gentle rise above the Huron River provided attractive vistas and placed it within easy commuting distance of the University of Michigan campus and the commercial core along State Street. The street plan, a grid with occasional diagonal thoroughfares, reflects its original platting, and mature canopy trees like oak and maple line the avenues, contributing to its park-like setting.

Notable buildings and structures

While primarily residential, the district contains several architecturally and historically significant properties. The Judge Thomas M. Cooley House, a grand Italianate villa, is a landmark associated with the famed Michigan Supreme Court justice and dean of the University of Michigan Law School. The Charles J. Godfrey House is a notable Queen Anne residence, and the Robert M. and Nellie Kedzie House reflects the Stick-Eastlake influence. The First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, an elegant Gothic Revival structure, serves as a community anchor. Other representative works include the Spaulding and Furman-designed William H. Sawyer House and numerous intact Craftsman bungalows.

Preservation and recognition

Facing pressure from redevelopment in the mid-20th century, community advocacy led by groups like the Old West Side Association was instrumental in its preservation. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, with a boundary increase in 1986, recognizing its national significance in community planning and development. It is also a designated local historic district under the City of Ann Arbor, which regulates exterior alterations to maintain architectural integrity. The annual Old West Side Home Tour, organized by residents, promotes public awareness and celebrates the neighborhood's continued stewardship and historical legacy. Category:Historic districts in Michigan Category:Ann Arbor, Michigan Category:National Register of Historic Places in Michigan