I've wanted to do a photo tour of my hometown for a while now, so here it is. Lapeer is a city of 8,800 people and sits roughly 20 miles east of Flint. The name Lapeer actually comes from the French word for rock ("la pierre") since the Flint River flows through the city. Lapeer is called the "gateway to the Thumb" and pulls above it's weight for a city of it's population since it serves as the main city for a large area. The city has been pretty aggressive with annexation, and all of the major commercial properties are located within the city limits.
The downtown is off the main roads (M-24 and old M-21), which has caused it to struggle over the last 20-30 years. I believe it is currently in pretty good shape with a few great restaurants, a brewery, an Arts Center, and a few local shops that seem to have some staying power. The centerpiece of downtown Lapeer is the old County Courthouse, which was built in 1845-46. It is Michigan's oldest courthouse that is still used for the original purpose (court is held there once a year), and one of the 10 oldest in the country.
So, this tour will go west to east through downtown, starting with the historic Piety Hill neighborhood, and ending near the historic Courthouse.
20190720_131412_HDR by
Rob K, on Flickr
These copulas were from the Oakdale state mental institution, which the largest of it's kind in the state and the biggest employer in the county. It was shut down in 1991 and most of the buildings were torn down.
20190720_131437_HDR by
Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
Across the street from the Library is Bishop Kelley Catholic School and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
20190720_131323 by
Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
The library, churches, and historic homes are part of the Piety Hill Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
20190720_131745_HDR by
Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
The Old Post Office. Now used as an office building.
20190720_132113 by
Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
Behind (north of the Old Post Office) is the First Presbyterian Church and a few other churches
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
Continuing down the main street (Nepessing St.) is the historic Engine House, which now serves as City Hall.
20190720_130644 by
Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
Across the street is the current Post Office:
2019-07-22_11-13-46 by
Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
Pretty busy for a Saturday afternoon:
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
About halfway through downtown is Tilted Axis Brewery and Woodchips BBQ. These have become the anchors of downtown.
2019-07-22_09-54-49 by
Rob K, on Flickr
The next block over is where we find the historic Courthouse
20190720_130119 by
Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
The block across the street (north) of the Courthouse is being renovated. Not sure what is going in besides some apartments on the upper floors.
20190720_125812_Burst01 by
Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
The current County Building is in the background
20190720_125526 by
Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
Gallery 194 and the Pix Theatre are on the next block over:
20190720_125432_HDR by
Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
Looking across the street and back towards the Courthouse
20190720_125212 by
Rob K, on Flickr
I really want to see this building in its original state
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Rob K, on Flickr
The Lapeer Bank & Trust building
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Rob K, on Flickr
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Rob K, on Flickr
If you go north a few blocks, you get to Riverview Towers senior housing:
20190720_133036 by
Rob K, on Flickr
That's all!