MIDTOWN GRAND RAPIDS

A WALK AROUND MIDTOWN—This neighborhood developed around the turn of the century. The Valley City Street and Cable Railway made it a good place to build or buy a house because the streetcar line ended around Lyon and Grand. Whole neighborhoods sprung up around streetcar stops in those days for obvious reasons: work transportation, shopping and appointments, and recreational outings. Homes in the neighborhood vary from four-square to Craftsman-style bungalows, early 20th-century apartments, and late 19th-century vernacular styles. Anyone who has stopped at the popular Martha’s Vineyard at Union and Lyon has visited Midtown (although technically, it is the boundary between Heritage Hill and Midtown). Just a few blocks away is the historic Fulton Street Cemetery (Grand Rapids oldest cemetery), with the gravestones of many of the city’s oldest settlers—a great place for a walk. Houseman Field is busy with track meets, football games, and graduations in spring and fall. The field boasts a brand new playground made possible through a Midtown Neighborhood fundraising effort.

The stories on the drop-down menu change. Currently featured include the house at 821 Lyon NE, the home of Grand Rapids first electrical inspector. His collection of early and rare electrical equipment found its way to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, thanks to a visit to Grand Rapids from one of Henry Ford’s most trusted colleagues. Also featured is a home designed by one of Grand Rapids early, self-trained women architects at 22 Grand Ave. NE. Check back soon for the next new story—the house of Anna Herpolsheimer Hardy.