West Village, Detroit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Village Historic District
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Streetscape in West Village
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| Location | Detroit, Michigan United States |
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| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Prairie School, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001930 |
| Added to NRHP | October 14, 1980 |
West Village is a special historic area in Detroit, Michigan. It's located between Jefferson, Kercheval, Parker, and Seyburn Avenues. This neighborhood got its name in the mid-1900s because it sits just west of another famous area called Indian Village.
In 1980, West Village was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a place recognized by the United States government for its important history and unique buildings.
Contents
What Makes West Village Special?
West Village is mostly a neighborhood where people live. It has about 275 single and two-family houses. You can also find around 30 apartment buildings and 20 shops or businesses. These buildings are spread out over 20 city blocks.
How Are the Streets and Buildings Arranged?
The streets in West Village are laid out in a slightly uneven pattern. There are also many small alleys and short cross streets. All the buildings are set back the same distance from the sidewalk. This gives the neighborhood a neat and organized look.
What Kinds of Buildings Can You See?
West Village is famous for its many different building styles. You can see houses built in the Queen Anne style, which often have towers and decorative details. There are also homes in the Tudor style, which look like old English cottages. Other popular styles include Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival. Some apartment buildings are built in the Georgian Revival or Jacobean styles.
A Look Back: The History of West Village
Around the early 1900s, the areas near Jefferson Avenue were very popular places to live in Detroit. When West Village was planned, rules were put in place. These rules said how much buildings had to cost, how they could be used, and how tall they could be. This helped make the area a desirable place for families.
When Did West Village Grow?
Between 1905 and 1925, West Village grew very quickly. Many homes, apartment buildings, and row houses were built for upper-middle-class families. Important people from Detroit lived here. This included Franz C. Kuhn, who was a top judge in Michigan. Edwin C. Denby, who served as the Secretary of the Navy, also lived in West Village. Other notable residents included Theodore Hinchman, a famous architect, and sculptor Julius Melchers.
How Did the Neighborhood Change Over Time?
After World War II, many neighborhoods in Detroit faced challenges. This included West Village. However, in the 1970s, the nearby Indian Village neighborhood started to improve. This led to new interest in West Village. In 1974, people who lived there formed a group called the West Village Association. This group helps to keep the neighborhood strong and vibrant.
Images for kids
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Streetscape in West Village
See also
In Spanish: West Village (Detroit) para niños
