Rose Place Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Rose Place Historic District
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| Location | Rose Place, Kalamazoo, Michigan |
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| Area | 1.2 acres (0.49 ha) |
| Architectural style | Mixed (more Than 2 Styles From Different Periods), Queen Anne |
| MPS | Kalamazoo MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000870 |
| Added to NRHP | May 27, 1983 |
The Rose Place Historic District is a special neighborhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is a small group of homes located on a street called Rose Place. This area is a great example of an "urban court development." This means it's a small street with houses built around a central space, often a dead-end alley. Many such developments appeared in Kalamazoo around the early 1900s. This historic district was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Contents
History of Rose Place
How Rose Place Began
In 1887, two skilled builders from Kalamazoo, John P. Culver and John DeSmit, Jr., bought some land. This land was behind other houses on South Rose Street. They decided to create a new, small street there, which they named Rose Place.
Building the First Homes
Soon after buying the land, Culver and DeSmit started building houses along Rose Place. By 1890, four houses were finished. One of these homes was even for John Culver himself! Many of the first people to live on Rose Place were also builders or masons. They probably built their own homes.
A Neighborhood of Craftsmanship
Because many residents were skilled builders, the houses in Rose Place show amazing craftsmanship. This means they were built with great care and detail. More houses were added over the next few years. By 1900, most of the lots were full. Any remaining spots were built on in the early 1900s.
Who Lived There?
Besides tradesmen, other people who lived in Rose Place were middle-class professionals. This included a doctor, a business owner, an engineer, and a plant manager. It was a neighborhood for hardworking people.
What Rose Place Looks Like
The Layout of the District
The Rose Place Historic District is found along just one block of Rose Place. This street is quite narrow and ends in a dead-end alley. The district includes eleven houses that face Rose Place. There are also two houses at the start of the alley that face Rose Street.
Styles of the Homes
Most of these houses were built between 1887 and 1900. They are generally small but have many fine details. They show off the "Late Victorian" style of architecture. There is one house built later, in 1920, which is a "bungalow" style home.
Special Features of the Houses
Many of the homes are made of brick. They are known for their beautiful window decorations. They also have finely crafted wooden porches. These details make the houses unique and show the skill of their original builders.
