Willis–Selden Historic District

History

The land forming the Willis–Selden Historic District was originally the Park Lots, the Cass Farm, and the Jones/Crane Farm. 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.

In the early twentieth century, the district became home to auto industry suppliers, once again due to its location and large lots. Forty-one percent of commercial buildings in the district built between 1910 and 1930 were auto-related. 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.

Buildings

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)

References

References

1. {{NRISref. 2008a
2. [http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/historic/districts/willis_selden.pdf Willis–Selden Historic District] {{Webarchive. link. (October 12, 2007 from the city of Detroit)