The Willis–Selden Historic District is a historic district located in Detroit, Michigan, consisting of three streets: Willis, Alexandrine, and Selden, Running from Woodward Avenue on the east to Third Avenue on the west. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.[1]
Willis–Selden Historic District | |
 Cass Avenue, north of Alexandrine | |
| Location | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°20′57″N 83°3′52″W / 42.34917°N 83.06444°W |
| Built | 1870 |
| Architect | multiple |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Beaux Arts, Early Commercial |
| MPS | Cass Farm MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001478[1] |
| Added to NRHP | December 01, 1997 |
History
edit
The land forming the Willis–Selden Historic District was originally the Park Lots, the Cass Farm, and the Jones/Crane Farm.[2] These parcels were subdivided in the late 1800s. Due in part to the growth of Detroit during the 1860s and generous lot sizes, the Willis–Selden District became a popular area for development, particularly for the relatively wealthy professional class.[2]
In the early twentieth century, the district became home to auto industry suppliers, once again due to its location and large lots.[2] Forty-one percent of commercial buildings in the district built between 1910 and 1930 were auto-related.[2] In addition, large, high-density apartments were constructed to meet the demands of the huge influx of auto workers into Detroit. However, the Great Depression had a marked impact on the industry and on the Willis–Selden Historic District, sending it into decline.[2]
Buildings
editOf the buildings located within the district, a number a historically significant in their own right. These include:
- Detroit-Columbia Central Office Building (52 Selden)
- Cass Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church (3901 Cass Avenue, at Selden)
- Coronado Apartments (3751-73 Second Avenue, at Selden)
- Stuber-Stone Building (4221-4229 Cass Avenue, at Willis)
- Detroit Edison Company Willis Avenue Station (50 W. Willis)
References
edit- ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e Willis–Selden Historic District from the city of Detroit
