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The Marlborough
TheMarlboroughKalamazooMI.JPG
Location 471 W. South St., Kalamazoo, Michigan
Area 1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built 1923 (1923)
Built by Henry L. Vanderhorst
Architect Billingham & Cobb
MPS Kalamazoo MRA
NRHP reference No. 83000863
Added to NRHP May 27, 1983

The Marlborough is a historic apartment building found at 471 West South Street in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it's an important place recognized for its history and special design.

History of The Marlborough Building

Building a Dream Apartment

Planning for The Marlborough building took several years. A local architecture company called Billingham & Cobb created the designs. Construction began in 1923 and finished in 1924. Henry L. Vanderhorst was the contractor who oversaw the building work.

A Luxury Home for Residents

The building cost a lot of money to build, over a quarter of a million dollars back then! When it first opened, The Marlborough was known as the most fancy and luxurious apartment building in Kalamazoo. Rent included many helpful services. These services included utilities, ice, telephone, laundry, and even maid and janitor help.

From Apartments to Condos

In the late 1970s, The Marlborough changed. It was converted into condominiums. This means that instead of renting, people could buy their own individual apartments within the building.

What The Marlborough Looks Like

Outside the Building

The Marlborough is a tall building with six stories. It is shaped like the letter "U" and is made of brown brick. The bottom floor of the building has shops. The floors above are where people live.

Special Design Features

The roofline of the building has special decorations. These are called Mediterranean bracketing and tile work. The main entrance is set back in the middle of the "U" shape. It has beautiful, colorful glass windows around it. There is also a small courtyard next to the building. This courtyard adds to the building's nice look.

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