I like history and architecture and Michigan, so I figured why not start a thread that could be a catch-all for all of that (basically, interesting stuff that is not current development, but still worth a look, across the state). Michigan has a rich heritage of people and places that have influenced the way people live and perceive their surroundings.
If there's something you want to share, feel free to add to this thread. If it's historic, interesting, somehow related to the built environment, and located in Michigan, it's game! It can be something that is existing, threatened, or long-vanished. Images are appreciated (your own, or found & properly cited), but not required.
The below indexes contain links to specific posts within this thread. They will continue to grow as the thread grows and new topics are added. There are three indexes, with posts in each one organized (a) by location, (b) by category of historic significance, and (c) by architect / engineer (if known / applicable).
Index of Posts, Organized by Location
Code:
Allegan County
Laketown Township
Felt Estate: Post #10
Saugatuck
Saugatuck Gap Filler Annex Radar: Post #8
Clinton County
Bath Township
Bath School Disaster:Post #7
Grand Traverse County
Traverse City
Northern Michigan Asylum / Grand Traverse Commons: Post #4
Kalamazoo County
Cooper Township
Kalamazoo Nature Center: Post #2
Oscoda County
Mio
Oscoda County Courthouse / Office Building: Post #6
Oakland County
Troy
S.S. Kresge Co. / Kmart Corporation World Headquarters: Post #9
Ottawa County
Grand Haven
Grand Haven Musical Fountain: Post #3
Index of Posts, Organized by Category of Historic Significance
Code:
Architectural
Felt Estate: Post #10
Kalamazoo Nature Center: Post #2
Northern Michigan Asylum / Grand Traverse Commons: Post #4
S.S. Kresge Co. / Kmart Corporation World Headquarters: Post #9
Disaster
Bath School Disaster: Post #7
Oscoda County Courthouse / Office Building: Post #6
Unique Oddities
Grand Haven Musical Fountain: Post #3
Wartime
Saugatuck Gap Filler Annex Radar: Post #8
Index of Posts, Organized by Architect / Engineer
Code:
Alden B. Dow
Kalamazoo Nature Center: Post #2
Frank P. Allen & Son
Felt Estate: Post #10
Gordon W. Lloyd
Northern Michigan Asylum / Grand Traverse Commons: Post #4
Pratt and Koeppe
Oscoda County Courthouse / Office Building: Post #6
Smith, Hinchman & Grylls (SmithGroup)
S.S. Kresge Co. / Kmart Corporation World Headquarters: Post #9
William Morris Booth II
Grand Haven Musical Fountain: Post #3
NA / Unknown
Bath School Disaster:Post #7
Saugatuck Gap Filler Annex Radar: Post #8
Ideas / Running To-Do List (non-exhaustive, just as I think of things so I don't forget)
- Amboy, Lansing and Traverse Bay Railroad (existing depots remain in Laingsburg, Lansing, & Owosso)
- At least one thing per county
- Chesanig riverboat
- Durand / Union Station
- Second Arenac County Courthouse (note similarities to Oscoda County Courthouse that burned down)
- Michigan Central Railroad
- Old / historic train depots & routes, in general
- West Michigan Pike (original highway)