Henderson Park-West Main Hill Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Henderson Park-West Main Hill Historic District
|
|
Henderson Castle, 100 Monroe
|
|
| Location | Roughly bounded by W. Main, Thompson, Academy, Monroe, W. Lovell and Valley Sts. and Prairie Ave., Kalamazoo, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Area | 52 acres (21 ha) |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements, Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 95000871 |
| Added to NRHP | July 21, 1995 |
The Henderson Park-West Main Hill Historic District is a special neighborhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It's a historic area with many old homes. This district is located near West Main, Thompson, Academy, Monroe, West Lovell, Valley Streets, and Prairie Avenue. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. This means it's an important place to protect.
Contents
History of the Henderson Park-West Main Hill District
How the Land Became a Neighborhood
Back in the 1850s, a farmer named James Taylor owned most of the land in this area. He tried to plan out some lots in 1852. But not many people built homes there at first. The area was uphill from Kalamazoo, making it hard to reach.
Later, James Taylor's daughter married a man named Frank Henderson. Frank Henderson came to Kalamazoo in 1855. He started a business making saddles in 1864. In 1874, he began making uniforms and special clothing. This new business, which included Masonic regalia, became very successful.
Growth and Development
As Kalamazoo grew in the late 1800s, it expanded towards the land owned by Frank Henderson and his wife. In 1888, horse trams were introduced in the city. These trams made it much easier to get to the uphill area.
Because of this, Frank Henderson decided to plan the area again. He hired experts to design streets that curved. This was different from the usual straight streets.
The Henderson Castle and Community Life
From 1890 to 1894, Frank Henderson built his own large home. People called it a "castle." This grand house made the area famous in Kalamazoo society.
However, it took a while for people to buy lots and build homes. After 1900, Kalamazoo had a business boom. More people needed places to live.
Also, Kalamazoo College grew, and Western Normal School (now Western Michigan University) was founded nearby. These schools helped the neighborhood become popular. By the 1920s, most of the lots were filled with houses. Early residents included professors from the colleges. Many small business owners and other professionals also lived there.
What the Henderson Park-West Main Hill District Looks Like
The Henderson Park-West Main Hill Historic District has 140 buildings. Most of these were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The neighborhood has curved, tree-lined streets. The houses are set back from the road.
Almost all the buildings are single-family homes. They were built for wealthy families. Many homes show architectural styles from the early 1900s. There is also one school and two parks in the district. The houses are similar in size and style. They are also spaced out from each other.
