Take a walk down through any of Ann Arbor’s tree-lined neighborhoods and you’ll encounter a wide range of architectural styles along the way. Founded in 1824, this charming city has a rich history, and its homes offer a glimpse into its storied past. From the grandeur of Victorian mansions to the timeless elegance of Colonial Revival and the craftsmanship of Craftsman bungalows, Ann Arbor’s residential landscape is a living testament to the architectural heritage that has shaped the community for nearly 200 years.

Join us as we unravel the fascinating tapestry of architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Queen Anne, Gothic Revival to Tudor, and beyond, celebrating the rich and diverse architectural legacy that defines the homes of Ann Arbor. Plus, we’ll share an example or two for each, so you can embark on your very own tour through our city’s rich history.

 

Italianate

The Italianate home style, popularized in the mid-19th century, draws inspiration from Renaissance Italy, featuring ornate and picturesque elements. Italianate homes typically have a square or rectangular shape with a low-pitched roof, often embellished with decorative brackets or cornices. Tower or cupola additions add verticality, while balconies and verandas adorned with columns or brackets provide outdoor spaces. Elaborate ornamentation, including cornices, dentil work, and intricate stone carvings, accentuate the façade. Symmetry and proportion are key, with balanced arrangements of windows, doors, and architectural details. The Italianate style showcases grandeur and elegance through its distinctive and ornate features.

 

Example of Italianate Architecture in Ann Arbor

There are several notable examples of Italianate homes in Ann Arbor, but one of the most well-known is the Henry S. Frieze House. This home was built from 1860-1862, constructed with dressed fieldstone walls that are 2 feet thick, ranging in color from black to light gray, with touches of red and orange. The home has massive brick chimneys and a hipped and gabled slate roof with a hip roof cupola and weathervane. Learn more about the home here.

 

Greek Revival

The Greek Revival style emerged in the late 18th century and became prominent in the early to mid-19th century, particularly in Ann Arbor between its founding in 1824 and the end of the Civil War in 1865. Inspired by the architectural forms of ancient Greece, the Greek Revival style is characterized by its emphasis on classical elements and symmetrical design. Greek Revival homes typically feature a prominent portico supported by columns, often of the Ionic or Doric order. The façade is usually symmetrical, with evenly spaced windows and a pedimented gable roof. The use of classical details such as entablatures, pilasters, and pediments is prevalent, adding a sense of grandeur and elegance to the overall design. The Greek Revival style became a popular choice for public buildings, mansions, and residences in Ann Arbor, serving as a tribute to the ideals of ancient Greece and the democratic principles they represented.

 

Example of Greek Revival Architecture in Ann Arbor

The Judge Robert S. Wilson House, also known as the Wilson-Wahr House, is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture in Ann Arbor. Robert S. Wilson was an attorney (and eventual member of the Michigan House of Representatives) who moved from Allegheny County, New York to Ann Arbor in 1835. Wilson’s grand home, which features Greek Revival architecture, was built in 1839 and he lived there until 1850 when he relocated to Chicago and sold the home to John H. Welles. It changed hands many times over the decades — and even served as a house to sororities and fraternities for 20 years. The home, which you can still drive by today, features four columns rising through two stories and has been singled out on countless surveys of Michigan architecture as an outstanding specimen of Neoclassical design. Learn more about the home here.

 

Gothic Revival

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The Gothic Revival style, also known as Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic, emerged in the 18th century and experienced a revival in the 19th century. Inspired by medieval Gothic architecture, this style sought to recreate the romantic and ornate elements of the past. Gothic Revival homes are characterized by pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs with intricate gables, and often feature asymmetrical designs. The use of decorative tracery in windows, intricate stone carvings, and ornamental details such as finials and pinnacles are common. The style also includes features like battlements, turrets, and pointed spires, evoking a sense of drama and verticality. Gothic Revival homes often exhibit a sense of mystery and nostalgia, with an emphasis on intricate craftsmanship and a picturesque appearance. This style gained popularity for both grand mansions and smaller cottages throughout Ann Arbor, and its enduring appeal can still be seen in various architectural designs today.

 

Example of Gothic Revival Architecture in Ann Arbor

Proudly standing at the intersection of Division and Catherine, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church is a remarkable architectural masterpiece and the city’s finest example of Gothic Revival design. Its majestic silhouette, adorned with a slate roof that seems to touch the heavens, and sturdy stone walls, evokes a sense of medieval grandeur. The exquisite stained-glass windows, delicately crafted into pointed shapes, add a touch of ethereal beauty to the structure. Built in 1868, this venerable establishment claims the title of the city’s oldest functioning church. Learn more about the church here.

 

Queen Anne/Victorian

The Queen Anne style, also known as Victorian or the Queen Anne Revival, emerged in the late 19th century during the Victorian era. It is characterized by its eclectic and ornate design, featuring a combination of architectural elements from various historical periods and cultural influences. Queen Anne/Victorian homes are often asymmetrical in shape, with steeply pitched roofs, multiple gables, and prominent towers or turrets. The facades display a variety of materials such as brick, stone, and wood, and are adorned with decorative detailing like elaborate spindlework, ornamental shingles, and decorative brackets. Bay windows, wraparound porches, and stained glass windows are also common features. The Queen Anne style allows for creative expression, with a playful mix of colors, textures, and patterns. This style reflects the exuberance and prosperity of the Victorian era and continues to be admired for its unique and intricate architectural details.

 

Example of Queen Anne/Victorian Architecture in Ann Arbor

The Wilson-Johnson House is a typical Queen Anne-style home, featuring a round corner tower and a conical roof and finial. It was built in 1894 for a lumber dealer and his wife, who was tragically widowed after its construction. The house was sold in 1914 to Professor Clarence Johnson and his wife, Bessie, who lived there for more than 50 years. The neighboring Delta Unsilon fraternity purchased the home in 1970 and still uses it as their annex to this day.

 

Colonial Revival/Georgian Revival

The Colonial Revival and Georgian Revival styles emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reviving architectural elements from the colonial and Georgian eras, respectively. The Colonial Revival style showcases simplicity, symmetry, and a connection to America’s colonial heritage through rectangular shapes, central entrances with pediments and columns, multi-paned windows, and brick or clapboard façades. In contrast, the Georgian Revival style draws inspiration from 18th-century Georgian architecture, emphasizing symmetrical designs, formal proportions, and classical details like centered entrances, evenly spaced windows, brick or stone facades with cornices and pediments, and hipped or gabled roofs. Both styles evoke nostalgia and celebrate architectural traditions, leaving a lasting impact on residential and public buildings.

 

Example of Colonial Revival/Georgian Revival Architecture in Ann Arbor

The Campbell-Hays House is an excellent example of a Georgian Revival home. It features a palladian window over the central entryway, and complete symmetry in the windows, doors, gabled dormers and chimneys. The residence was built in 1899 for Edward DeMille Campbell, a chemistry professor at the University of Michigan, who tragically lost his sight in a chemical explosion. His six children inherited the house upon his death and lived there until it was sold in 1979.

If you’d like to own your very own historic home, 2009 Washtenaw Avenue is another example of Georgian architecture — and it’s currently for sale! This stately home, surrounded by beautiful trees, offers a light-filled interior, spacious rooms, high-end finishes, and a variety of desirable features including a grand foyer, a gourmet kitchen, a luxurious primary suite, multiple bathrooms, a wine cellar, and a three-car garage.

 

Craftsman/Arts and Crafts

The Craftsman or Arts and Crafts style emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a reaction against the ornate and mass-produced designs of the Victorian era. It emphasizes craftsmanship, simplicity, and a close connection to nature. Craftsman homes typically feature a low-pitched roof with wide eaves supported by exposed rafters, and a front porch with thick square or tapered columns. The façade often showcases natural materials such as wood, stone, or brick, with a focus on earthy colors and textures. Interior spaces are characterized by open floor plans, built-in furniture, and details like exposed beams, woodwork, and stained glass. The Craftsman style emphasizes a harmonious integration of design and nature, promoting a sense of warmth, comfort, and handmade quality. It had a significant impact on residential architecture and interior design, reflecting a desire for simplicity, craftsmanship, and a connection to the natural environment.

 

Example of Craftsman/Arts and Crafts Architecture in Ann Arbor

One of the best examples of the Craftsman style in Ann Arbor can be found at 1601 Cambridge, a historic 1912 gem which is also currently on the market! This spacious 5,800-square-foot home in Burns Park was designed by renowned architect Albert Khan. The interior showcases the finest craftsmanship, with intricate woodwork, crown moldings, beamed ceilings, and four fireplaces. The six bedrooms are generously sized and provide ample space for relaxation and privacy.

 

Tudor Revival

The Tudor Revival style emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, drawing inspiration from the architecture of Tudor England during the 15th and 16th centuries. This style is characterized by its distinctive half-timbered exteriors, steeply pitched roofs, and elaborate decorative details. Tudor Revival homes often feature asymmetrical designs with multiple gables, prominent chimneys, and tall narrow windows with mullions and leaded glass. The exteriors are typically adorned with decorative timber framing, stucco, or brickwork. The interiors often showcase exposed ceiling beams, decorative wood paneling, and intricate stone or brick fireplaces. The Tudor Revival style exudes an old-world charm and a sense of history, evoking the medieval architecture of England. It became popular in both residential and public buildings, representing a desire for romanticism and a connection to the past.

 

Example of Tudor Revival Architecture in Ann Arbor

Look no further than the University of Michigan’s Greek system for some of the best examples of Tudor Revival architecture in the city. Both the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and Delta Upsilon Fraternity House have quintessential Tudor qualities. Built in 1920, the Zeta Tau Alpha house features stucco panels, half timbering, mahogany woodwork, and several leaded casement windows. The Delta Upsilon house was designed by Albert Khan to house the fraternity in the early 1900s. The first story is made with brick, while the second story is stucco with half-timbered and shingled accents. The symmetrical façade has a narrow, three-story front-gable projection and a slightly projecting front-gable wing on either side.

 

Cape Cod

The Cape Cod style, originating in the 17th century in New England, is a traditional and iconic American architectural style. It is characterized by its simple and symmetrical design, typically with a steep gable roof, a central chimney, and a compact, rectangular shape. Cape Cod homes are usually one or one-and-a-half stories high, with a clapboard or shingle exterior. The front entrance is centered, often with a small porch or entryway. The windows are typically multi-paned and symmetrically arranged on either side of the front door. The interior layout is efficient and functional, with a central hallway leading to various rooms. Cape Cod style homes often feature charming dormer windows on the upper floor, providing additional space and natural light. The style is known for its cozy and timeless appeal, evoking a sense of New England’s rich history and coastal charm.

 

Example of Cape Cod Architecture in Ann Arbor

The charming home at 2310 Woodside Road in Burns Park is an excellent example of Cape Cod architecture in Ann Arbor. The front door is positioned between the identical shuttered windows, and the second story has dormer windows letting in lots of natural light.

 

Second Empire

The Second Empire style, popular in the mid-to-late 19th century, is an architectural style named after the reign of Napoleon III in France. It is characterized by its distinctive mansard roof, which has a steep lower slope and a flatter upper slope, often pierced by dormer windows. Second Empire buildings typically exhibit a symmetrical façade, with elaborate detailing and ornamentation. The façades are often constructed with brick or stone and may include decorative elements such as quoins, pilasters, and cornices. The windows are often tall and narrow, with decorative surrounds. Balconies, ironwork, and bay windows are also common features. The Second Empire style is known for its grandeur and opulence, often associated with government buildings, mansions, and institutions during the period. It gained popularity in Europe and the United States, leaving a lasting architectural legacy that evokes a sense of elegance and prestige.

 

Example of Second Empire Architecture in Ann Arbor

Built around 1870, the Peter Brehm House stands as an example of Second Empire architecture in Ann Arbor, characterized by its mansard roof and Italianate influences. Originally owned by Peter Brehm, founder of the Western Brewery, the residence showcases a combination of styles commonly seen in Midwestern American architecture. Despite Brehm’s enigmatic rise and fall, the house has survived and underwent partial restoration, featuring original shutters and a bannister, creating an elegant atmosphere for its current use as a dining venue.

 

If These Walls Could Speak…

The stories they would tell! What architectural style is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!