Canada Goose
ParkMichigan, US
Willis-Selden Historic District
Willis-Selden Historic District showcases Detroit's rich architectural heritage and urban evolution.
About
Willis-Selden Historic District showcases Detroit's rich architectural heritage and urban evolution.
This vibrant historic district, encompassing Willis, Alexandrine, and Selden streets, is a designated area on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its exceptional collection of late 19th and early 20th-century architecture. Visitors can explore a fascinating blend of Victorian, Colonial Revival, Romanesque, Queen Anne, Beaux Arts, Art Deco, and early Commercial styles, providing a tangible journey through Detroit's storied past as a burgeoning residential, commercial, and automotive industry hub.
The district's "exhibits" are its impressive buildings, each telling a piece of Detroit's narrative. Highlights include the stately Detroit-Columbia Central Office Building, the architecturally significant Cass Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, and the grand Coronado Apartments, known for their Romanesque style. Other notable structures like the Stuber-Stone Building and the Detroit Edison Company Willis Avenue Station stand as testaments to the area's commercial and industrial growth. Exploring Willis-Selden offers a unique opportunity to witness the city's transformation, from its affluent residential beginnings to its automotive-driven boom, and its subsequent periods of decline and hopeful revitalization. It's a place where history is etched into every facade, offering a memorable experience for those keen to uncover the layers of Detroit's urban landscape. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.
Buffs * Urban Explorers * Photographers
What to do here
Embark on a self-guided walking tour along Willis, Alexandrine, and Selden streets, focusing on the blocks between Woodward Avenue and Third Avenue. Take time to observe the intricate details and varied designs of the apartment buildings, houses, and commercial structures. Photography of the diverse architecture is a popular activity.
Seasonal info
While primarily an architectural experience, spring and summer bring lush greenery to the urban landscape, enhancing photographs. Fall offers potentially colorful foliage, and winter, though colder, can provide unique, quiet views of the historic streetscapes.
Accessibility
As an urban district, the area generally features sidewalks for pedestrian access. However, specific accessibility features for individual buildings would vary and should be inquired about directly if interior access is desired. The outdoor walking experience is generally accessible.
Don't miss
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The primary highlights are the historic buildings themselves. Don't miss the distinct architectural styles that define the district, ranging from Victorian homes to Art Deco structures. Look for the Detroit-Columbia Central Office Building, Cass Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Coronado Apartments. Other significant buildings include the Stuber-Stone Building, Detroit Edison Company Willis Avenue Station, El Moore Flats, and the Garden Theater.
Wildlife you might spot
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable walking shoes
** The best way to experience the district is on foot to fully appreciate the architectural details.
Bring a camera
The diverse and well-preserved architecture provides excellent photographic opportunities.
Research specific buildings in advance
If you have particular architectural interests, look up the addresses of buildings like the Coronado Apartments or the El Moore Flats to ensure you see them.
Combine with a Midtown visit
The district is located near Midtown Detroit, allowing for easy integration with visits to other cultural institutions and restaurants.
Respect private property
Many buildings are private residences or businesses; admire from public sidewalks.
Consider a self-guided tour
Numerous online resources and guides can enhance your understanding of the district's history and architecture.
Frequently asked questions
- The Willis-Selden Historic District is significant because it offers a well-preserved cross-section of Detroit's architectural and urban development from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. It showcases a wide array of architectural styles and reflects the city's evolution from an affluent residential area to a bustling commercial hub driven by the auto industry.
- Visitors to the Willis-Selden Historic District can admire a rich tapestry of architectural styles, including Victorian, Colonial Revival, Romanesque, Queen Anne, Beaux Arts, Art Deco, Commercial, Jacobethan Revival, Craftsman, Modern Movement industrial, Gothic, Classical Revival, and Northern Renaissance Revival. This diversity makes it a fascinating area for architectural study.
- Yes, several buildings within the Willis-Selden Historic District are highly notable for their history and architecture and are excellent for photography. These include the Detroit-Columbia Central Office Building, the Cass Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, the Coronado Apartments, the Stuber-Stone Building, and the Detroit Edison Company Willis Avenue Station.
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