Villa Maria (Grand Rapids, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Villa Maria
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| Location | 1315 Walker NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan |
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| Area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | 1904 |
| Built by | B. J. Hogan & Sons |
| Architect | Wernette & McCarthy |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003373 |
| Added to NRHP | March 27, 1987 |
Villa Maria is a special place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Today, it's a home for older adults. But long ago, it was a place that helped young women who needed a fresh start. It became a nationally recognized historic site in 1987.
Contents
The History of Villa Maria
A Helping Hand for Young Women
In 1904, a group of nuns called the Sisters of Good Shepherd started a mission in Grand Rapids. Their goal was to help young women who were facing difficulties. They wanted to give these women a safe home and teach them useful skills. This way, the women could have a new beginning in life.
Later that year, the Sisters bought a farm property. This is where Villa Maria stands today. The old farmhouse on the land became their first convent. In 1905, they built the first new structure, called the Industrial Building. This building served as a place for the young women to live and work.
By 1910, Villa Maria was home to eight Sisters and 71 young women. The campus grew even more in the 1920s. In 1922, they built the Penitent Building and a Chapel. These were designed by architects Wernette & McCarthy. The Monastery Building was added between 1926 and 1927. After this, the original farmhouse was sold.
Changes Over Time
In 1938, another group of nuns, the Sisters of the Cross, moved into the Industrial Building. They stayed there until 1951, when a new building was built just for them. The original Industrial Building was updated in 1974.
However, as the years passed, fewer young women needed the program. In 1985, the program ended. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd decided to sell the property. They wanted a developer to turn the buildings into homes for senior citizens. In 1987, the Villa Maria Retirement Community officially opened its doors.
Buildings at Villa Maria
Villa Maria has nine buildings in total. Six of these buildings are important because they show the complex's historic character. They include:
- Industrial Building (Built in 1905): This building has three stories. It was made with a steel frame and brick walls. It originally had a sloped roof, but a flat roof was added in 1974.
- Penitent Building (Built in 1921): This is a three-story building with masonry walls. It has a sloped roof covered with green clay tiles. You can spot it by its unique arched window walkways and porches.
- Chapel Building (Built in 1921): This two-story building has masonry walls and a pointed roof with green clay tiles. Its windows are made of beautiful stained glass. Two small sections were added to it in 1959.
- Monastery Building (Built in 1926): This two-story building also has masonry walls and a sloped roof with green clay tiles. Its main entrance is special, with decorative stone columns and an arched doorway. Above the doorway, there is a statue of the Good Shepherd.
- Boiler Room (Likely early 1920s): This is a one-story masonry building with a flat, steel-framed roof.
- Enclosed Walkway (Built in 1959): This structure connects the Chapel and Monastery Buildings. It is made of concrete and brick and has a flat roof.
