West Bridge Street Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Bridge Street Historic District
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 320, 414–550 and 321–563 W. Bridge St., Plainwell, Michigan |
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| Area | 18 acres (7.3 ha) |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Bungalow/craftsman, Italianate |
| MPS | Plainwell MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001549 |
| Added to NRHP | November 1, 1991 |
The West Bridge Street Historic District is a special area in Plainwell, Michigan. It is a collection of old buildings, mostly homes, that have been kept in good condition because they are important to history. This district was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. This means it is recognized by the United States government as a place worth preserving for future generations.
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What is the West Bridge Street Historic District?
The West Bridge Street Historic District is a neighborhood filled with historic homes. It includes buildings at 320, 414–550, and 321–563 West Bridge Street. These buildings show how people lived and built homes a long time ago. The district covers about 18 acres, which is like 18 football fields!
Why is this area special?
West Bridge Street is one of the main areas in Plainwell where you can find large, impressive homes. These houses belonged to successful business owners and important people from the community's past. They built beautiful homes that still stand today.
When were the homes built?
Many of the bigger homes in the district were built before 1873. More houses were added throughout the late 1800s and into the early 1900s. This means you can see different styles of architecture from those time periods.
What about the old school?
The district also has the former Bridge Street School. This school was built in 1910. Before that, the land had been used for school buildings since the 1860s. Today, this old school building has been changed into apartments where people live.
What kind of buildings are in the district?
The West Bridge Street Historic District starts near a "mill race," which is a channel of water that used to power mills. The district has 29 homes and one school building from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Most of these buildings, 27 houses and the school, help make the district historic.
What do the houses look like?
Most of the houses are two stories tall and made of wood. They are set on large plots of land, far back from the street. You can see many different styles of architecture here, making it a very interesting place to visit.
What architectural styles can you see?
The district has a mix of styles, including:
- Italianate: Some homes, like one built by L. H. Woodhams, have a square tower called a cupola.
- Colonial Revival: These homes look like older colonial houses, but they were built later. The Gilkey house is an example.
- Upright and Wing: These are common house shapes from the past.
- Queen Anne: These houses often have towers, turrets, and decorative details.
- American Foursquare: These are usually square, sturdy homes.
- Craftsman Bungalow: One house is a craftsman bungalow with a half-timbered look, which means it has exposed wood beams.
