Van Buren Street Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Van Buren Street Historic District
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St. Thomas Episcopal Church
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| Location | Roughly, Van Buren St. from Capital and Cherry Sts. to Calhoun St. and North Ave., Battle Creek, Michigan |
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| Area | 25 acres (10 ha) |
| Architect | Mortimer L. Smith, et al |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Art Deco, Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000367 |
| Added to NRHP | April 4, 1996 |
The Van Buren Street Historic District is a special area in Battle Creek, Michigan. It's located along Van Buren Street, stretching from Capital and Cherry Streets to Calhoun Street and North Avenue. This district is important because it holds many old and historic buildings. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, which means it's officially recognized for its historical value.
A Look Back: History of the District
In the late 1800s, this part of Battle Creek was a busy place. It was located between the city's main shopping area and its fanciest neighborhoods. Because of this, the Van Buren Street area became home to some of Battle Creek's oldest and most important community buildings.
The first big buildings appeared here in the mid-1800s. In 1847, the first high school was built. Then, in 1858, St. Thomas Episcopal Church was constructed. Both of these original buildings were later replaced by new ones on the same spots.
The 1870s saw even more growth. New buildings were built for both the high school and the Episcopal church. A new St. Philip Catholic Church also opened its doors. In the 1880s, the Michigan Central Railroad built a new train station here. By the 1930s, the district was a hub for the community. It had four churches, a public junior high school, a Catholic school, and the local YMCA building.
What You'll Find: Buildings and Structures
The Van Buren Street Historic District has 22 buildings and other structures. Out of these, 19 are considered "contributing," meaning they help make the area historically special. Most of these are large public buildings like churches, schools, and the old train station. There are also three historic houses. Most of these important buildings are found close to where Van Buren Street and Capital Street meet.
Some of the notable buildings in the district include:
- Williard Memorial Library (7 W. Van Buren)
- St. Thomas Episcopal Church (66 Capital NE)
- YMCA Building (77 Capital NE)
- St Philip Catholic Church complex (92 Capital NE): This large complex includes seven buildings! You'll find the main church, a rectory (where a priest lives), the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes (a special outdoor shrine), an elementary school, a high school, a convent (where nuns live), a fine arts building, and the American Marsh Pumps Pattern Building. The church bought this last building in the 1960s.
- Farley Funeral Home (105 Capital NE)
- First Presbyterian Church (115 Capital NE)
- Shaw Funeral Home (121 Capital NE)
- David Cady House (130 Capital NE)
- First Congregational Church (145 Capital NE)
- Michigan Central Railroad Station (44 N. McCamly)
- Ward Memorial Fountain (near the train station)
- W.K. Kellogg Memorial Junior High (60 W. Van Buren)
- Battle Creek Central High School (100 W. Van Buren)
Images for kids
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Michigan Central Depot
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First Congregational Church
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St. Philip Roman Catholic Church
