Merritt Woods Historic District

In 1921, a group of prominent Battle Creek residents began developing a 23-acre tract purchased from Mrs. E.M.C. Merritt. One of these was architect Adelbert B. Chanel, who wen on to design nine of the houses built in the neighborhood. They platted the area into spacious lots, with boundaries following the local topography. Grading of the area was done in 1923, and by 1927 the first two houses had been constructed in the new subdivision. Two more were added in 1928, but the onset of the Great Depression slowed growth, and it was not until 1931 that the next four homes were built. Eight more were built in the 1930s, but the onset of World War II again halted expansion until 1948, when three more houses were built. One more house was built in the 1950s, and the last two were added in the 1960s.[2]

The Merritt Woods Historic District contains 23 residences, of which 18 contribute to the historic nature of the neighborhood. The houses are located on unusually large lots, with irregular lot lines. The district contains mature oak, hickory, and slippery elm trees. Streets are gently curving, following the terrain. Houses are sited 30 or more feet from the streets. Most of the houses in the district are two-story Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival styles, constructed of brick or stone construction. Some have upper levels clad with stucco, stucco with half timber, clapboard or shakes. All are single family homes containing attached garages.[2]