Willis–Selden Historic District | |
Location | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
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Coordinates | 42°20′57″N 83°3′52″W / 42.34917°N 83.06444°W / 42.34917; -83.06444 |
Built | 1870 |
Architect | multiple |
Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Beaux Arts, Early Commercial |
MPS | Cass Farm MPS |
NRHP reference No. | 97001478[1] |
Added to NRHP | December 01, 1997 |
The Willis–Selden Historic District is a historic district located in Detroit, Michigan, consisting of three streets: Willis, Alexandrine, and Selden, Running from Woodward Avenue on the east to Third Avenue on the west. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.[1]
The land forming the Willis–Selden Historic District was originally the Park Lots, the Cass Farm, and the Jones/Crane Farm.[2] These parcels were subdivided in the late 1800s. Due in part to the growth of Detroit during the 1860s and generous lot sizes, the Willis–Selden District became a popular area for development, particularly for the relatively wealthy professional class.[2]
In the early twentieth century, the district became home to auto industry suppliers, once again due to its location and large lots.[2] Forty-one percent of commercial buildings in the district built between 1910 and 1930 were auto-related.[2] In addition, large, high-density apartments were constructed to meet the demands of the huge influx of auto workers into Detroit. However, the Great Depression had a marked impact on the industry and on the Willis–Selden Historic District, sending it into decline.[2]
Of the buildings located within the district, a number a historically significant in their own right. These include:
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Downtown |
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Wayne State University Midtown |
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New Center |
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University of Detroit Mercy North |
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East |
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West |
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Southwest |
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Historic Districts |
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See also: Historic homes in metropolitan Detroit |
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Skyscrapers |
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Low rise under 10 stories selected |
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Parks and gardens |
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Museums and libraries |
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Religious landmarks |
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Performance centers |
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Neighborhood Historic Districts |
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See also: List of tallest buildings in Detroit |
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Historic districts |
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Historic properties |
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National Historic Landmarks |
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Former listings |
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See also: National Register of Historic Places listings in Wayne County, Michigan and List of National Historic Landmarks in Michigan |