Warren–Prentis Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Warren–Prentis Historic District
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Corner of Second and Hancock
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| Location | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
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| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival |
| MPS | Cass Farm MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001477 |
| Added to NRHP | December 01, 1997 |
The Warren–Prentis Historic District is a special area in Detroit, Michigan. It is known for its many old and important buildings. This district includes streets like Prentis, Forest, Hancock, and part of Warren. It stretches from Woodward Avenue to Third Avenue.
This area was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This means its buildings and history are protected. The district has homes, shops, churches, and other buildings. Most of the buildings built before 1930 are still standing today.
Contents
History of the Warren–Prentis District
The land where the Warren–Prentis Historic District now stands was once made up of large farms and lots. These were called the Park Lots, the Cass Farm, and the Jones/Crane Farm. In the late 1800s, these lands were divided into smaller pieces.
This area became very popular with wealthy business people and professionals from Detroit. They wanted to move away from the busy downtown area. Large lots and easy access to streetcar lines on Woodward and Third Avenues made it a great place to live. Many beautiful homes were built here between 1880 and 1895.
As time went on, living in apartments became more common. In the late 1880s, more duplexes (homes for two families) and small apartment buildings were built. The construction of single-family homes slowed down.
Commercial buildings, like shops and offices, also started to appear. This growth in businesses was strongest between World War I and the Great Depression.
Changes Over Time
The Great Depression, which started in 1929, caused hard times for many. It became too expensive to maintain the large single-family homes in the district. Many of these big houses were then divided into smaller rental units.
During World War II, the area was very busy. Many people moved to Detroit for jobs, and all the rental units were used. After the war, the area saw another decline.
However, in the 1990s, the district started to improve again. This was partly because of nearby places like Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center. These institutions brought new life and people to the area.
Important Buildings in the District
The Warren–Prentis Historic District has 108 historic buildings. Some of these buildings are especially important because of their history or design. Here are a few examples:
- Perry McAdow House (located at 4605 Cass Avenue, near Prentis)
- William C. Boydell House (located at 4614 Cass Avenue, near Prentis)
- Thompson Home (located at 4756 Cass Avenue, near Hancock)
- George W. Loomer House (located at 71 W. Hancock Avenue)
- Mulford T. Hunter House (located at 77 W. Hancock Avenue)
- Mackenzie House (located at 4735 Cass Avenue)
- Hilberry Theatre (located at 4743 Cass Avenue, near Hancock)
- Central High School (Old Main) (located at 4841 Cass Avenue, near Hancock)
Gallery
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Prentis Street between Second and Cass, showing single-family homes and small apartments
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Apartments on Second and Forest in the Warren–Prentis Historic District
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Hilberry Theatre
See also
In Spanish: Distrito Histórico Warren-Prentis para niños
