Grand Ledge Chair Company Plant facts for kids
|
Grand Ledge Chair Company Plant
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 101 Perry St. Grand Ledge, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1906 |
| NRHP reference No. | 87001377 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | November 3, 1987 |
The Grand Ledge Chair Company Plant is an old, important building located at 101 Perry Street in Grand Ledge, Michigan, United States. It was built in 1906. This building is so special that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Today, it's no longer a factory but has been made into apartments called the Riverwalk Apartments.
Contents
History of the Grand Ledge Chair Company
The Grand Ledge Chair Company started in 1837. It was a small shop that made furniture. Three people named Thomas Garrett, Harry Jordan, and Edward Crawford founded it.
Early Years and New Owners
In 1888, the three founders made their business into a company. This means they officially registered it. Then, in 1893, they sold the company to Edward H. Turnbull and George H. Fletcher. Soon after, Turnbull bought out Fletcher. This gave him full control of the company. The business did very well under Turnbull's leadership.
Building New Factories
In 1902, Edward Turnbull started another company called the Grand Ledge Table Company. He partnered with David Bell and George Coryell. They built a factory and a mill where they made both tables and chairs. Turnbull soon bought out his partners in this company too.
In 1906, Turnbull built a brand new, three-story factory right next to the 1902 building. This new building was very organized:
- The first floor was for shipping products and offices.
- The second floor was for upholstering furniture and storage.
- The third floor was where they finished the furniture.
Later Years and Closure
Edward Turnbull managed the Grand Ledge Chair Company until he passed away in 1916. After him, his wife, Emma A. Turnbull, took over. Emma managed the company until she died in 1944. Then, her youngest sister and her husband, Raymond Hull, became the owners.
The company officially became a corporation in 1949. Raymond Hull and his family continued to manage it until 1973. After that, the company became part of a larger manufacturing group called Holabird Company. However, sales started to drop, and the factory closed in 1981.
From Factory to Apartments
In the late 1980s, the old factory site was renovated. It was turned into residential apartments. During this renovation, the older 1902 factory buildings were taken down. Only the main 1906 factory building remained. This building is still used for apartments today.
What the Building Looks Like
The Grand Ledge Chair Company Plant is built on a hill. It looks out over the Grand River. The factory building from 1906 is three stories tall. It is made of cream-colored brick. The building is very long, about 353 feet, and 50 feet wide.
Special Features of the Building
The front of the building has many windows. They are spaced out evenly and have a rounded top, like an arch. The main entrance in the middle of the building is special. It's part of a section that has a unique stepped-gable design. Above the entrance, on the second and third floors, there are groups of three windows. On top of the roof, there's a square base with a wooden water tank. This tank is held together with strong steel bands.
