West Canfield Historic District

West Canfield streetscape

The area around the West Canfield Historic District was once owned by Lewis Cass, an early governor of Michigan.[4] When he died in 1866, his two daughters inherited his holdings.[5] Three years later, they divided the property, with Cass's daughter Mary receiving the portion where the West Canfield Historic District is now located.[5] Mary's husband was Captain August Canfield, a graduate of West Point and a major investor in the construction of the ship canal at Sault Ste. Marie.[4] In 1871, Mary Cass Canfield subdivided her land, naming Canfield Avenue in honor of her husband.[4]

The street was populated by prosperous attorneys, physicians, dentists, architects, and other professionals.[5] Construction continued into the 1880s.[6] The street remained a prime residential location in Detroit for decades. In the 1930s, the Great Depression led to a decline in the neighborhood.[4] In the 1960s, the neighborhood was revitalized and the historic streetscape was restored.[4] New residents have continued to maintain and revitalize the vibrant Midtown neighborhood in the 21st century.[3]

Buildings included in the boundary increase of West Canfield Historic District

In the early 1870s, numerous brick Queen Anne homes were constructed along Canfield, on spacious lots with generous setbacks.[4] The original platting specified that each lot would measure 50 by 190 feet, and that there would be "a 30 foot setback for sidewalk, shrubbery, and ornamental purposes." [6]

In the early 1980s, the street was narrowed and returned to its original 1870s design with granite pavers, reproduction street lamps were installed, trees were planted, and grassy medians were added.[4] In 1970, the District received state and local historical designation, the first district so recognized in the city. The district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places the following year.[4] In 1997, District was expanded to include three buildings on Third Street: one additional Queen Anne style residence and two Victorian commercial buildings.[5] In the new millennium, the vibrant neighborhood has experienced many renovations.[7]