Park Avenue Historic District (Detroit) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Park Avenue Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district

Park Avenue Historic District, looking south from across I-75
Location	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Architectural style	Early Commercial, Late Victorian
NRHP reference No.	97000396
Added to NRHP	May 13, 1997

The Park Avenue Historic District is a special area in Detroit, Michigan. It is known for its old and important buildings. You can find it along Park Avenue, between Adams Street and the I-75 highway.

This district includes famous places like the Women's City Club. It also has the Detroit Building and the Park Avenue House. Because of its history, the district was named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1996. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This means it is officially recognized as an important historical place.

History of Park Avenue
Important Buildings in the District
Images for kids
See also

History of Park Avenue

In the 1920s, Detroit was a busy city. Its main area, Grand Circus Park, was getting very crowded. More and more office space was needed because of the growing car industry. So, new buildings started to appear north of Grand Circus Park, along Park Avenue.

Early Development (1920s)

In 1922, a famous architect named Albert Kahn designed the Park Avenue Building. This building was at the start of Park Avenue. Other architects also helped build hotels, apartments, and offices here.

In 1923, a group called the Park Avenue Association was formed. They had a plan for the street. They wanted the south end to have fancy offices and shops. The north end would be for nice homes and apartments. People in Detroit even thought of Park Avenue as their city's version of New York City's famous Fifth Avenue.

Women's Clubs and Community Life

Park Avenue was also home to important women's clubs. These included the Women's City Club and the Detroit chapter of the Colony Club. These clubs were very important. They gave women places to meet, work, and do social activities. They also supported women's right to vote.

Changes Over Time

During the Great Depression, fewer people used the area. But after World War II, it became busy again. Many social groups met there, and new restaurants and fun places opened.

Later, a company called Iodent Chemical Company started making toothpaste on Park Avenue. This added a new kind of business to the area.

Modern Revival

Today, the district is seeing a lot of new life. It is close to popular places like the Fox Theatre and Comerica Park. This has led to many new projects since the 2000s.

The old Iodent Building has been turned into modern apartments. The Colony Club has been fixed up and looks new. Two new entertainment spots, Cliff Bell's and the Park Bar, have also opened.

The Park Avenue Historic District was officially recognized in 1996 by the state. Then, in 1997, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Important Buildings in the District

The Park Avenue Historic District has many historic buildings. Here are some of the most well-known ones:

Women's City Club: This building was finished in 1922. It was designed by William B. Stratton. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Detroit Building: Built in 1923, this building has a Beaux-Arts style. Arnold & Shreve were the architects. It was renovated in 2009 and is also on the National Register.
Park Avenue House: This building was completed in 1924. It was designed by Louis Kamper. The Town Pump Tavern is located on its ground floor. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.