Willis–Selden Historic District

Willis–Selden Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
Cass Avenue, north of Alexandrine
Location	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
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:

• Detroit-Columbia Central Office Building (52 Selden)
• Cass Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church (3901 Cass Avenue, at Selden)
• Coronado Apartments (3751-73 Second Avenue, at Selden)
• Stuber-Stone Building (4221-4229 Cass Avenue, at Willis)
• Detroit Edison Company Willis Avenue Station (50 W. Willis)

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