Category Archives: Architecture

220 Main Street

Its not often that you see Corinthian pilasters on a store front, however on Main Street different architectural styles are quite prolific. It seems that no two facades on the street are the same. However, the Italianate commercial style is the dominant type of architecture with its elaborate cornices and double bracketing (under the eaves) that easily stand out from above. In this case, the store that shares the Phoenix Center and Main Street T-Shirts is flanked by two narrow Corinthian pilasters. The one on the right side has eroded away, but on the left the acanthus leaves and flower decoration (the uppermost flower is called the fleuron) are still visible.

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503 North 4th Avenue

The elongated pediments that accent this home’s windows likely draw influence from the classical pediment that was a major element of ancient Greek temples and thus Neoclassical as well Greek Revival architecture.

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727 Oakland

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Alpha Delta Pi

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Alpha Delta Pi, east side.

Founded in 1929, Alpha Delta Pi’s mission states they are “is committed to sisterhood, values and ethics, high academic standards and social responsibility” (facebook.com). Their house features a classically inspired porch with paired fluted Doric columns that support a plain entablature. The front entry is bolded molded, has fluted pilasters and sidelights that flank the door, all which lend to Classical influence.

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Alpha Epsilon Phi

Established in 1921 at the University of Michigan, Alpha Epsilon Phi prides itself “on supporting exemplary, well rounded women who are dedicated to academics, sisterhood, philanthropy, community service and to Alpha Epsilon Phi” (http://aephiumich.weebly.com/). This house’s elements of Greek influence include in its front entry, side porch and six-over-six windows. The main entrance is made up of two Doric columns, two wooden frames that perhaps represent sidelights and a simple undecorated pediment (see the house on 802 Oakland). The side porch also uses Doric columns.

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501 Onondaga Street

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222 North Thayer Street

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Chi Omega

“The Eta Chapter of Chi Omega was founded at the University of Michigan on October 21, 1905. Since then, chapter members have flourished. Along with deep involvement within the Greek community, members are also dedicated students and leaders on campus” (michiganchiomega.com). At the center of Chi Omega’s house is a unique portico in the shape of a semi-circle. Fluted columns and pilasters give way to the well-crafted Corinthian capitals and support the pseudo-entablature with its tiny dentils that also continue across the house’s front face. Only the portico is of any Greek influence. While the front entry is more Renaissance in its style, in general, there are no other features that may have drawn upon Classical architecture besides the house’s thin cornice.

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Lambda Chi Alpha

“Lambda Chi Alpha’s (LXA) vision to lead a co-curricular Greek movement, predicated on partnership and collaboration amongst the undergraduates, host institutions, alumni and General Fraternity, and offering an experience that focuses on the maturational development of today’s college man” (lambdachi.org). LXA was established in 1913 at the University of Michigan. Although not Greek in form, this home does still exhibit broken pedimented roof dormers and six-over-six windows with shutters which lends to influence from the Greek Revival style.

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Ezra Seaman House

The Seaman house before demolition. Source: attribute to “Wystan”, flickr.com.

Built in 1855, Ezra Seaman’s house was a combination of Greek Revival and Italianate styling that featured arched windows and pediments…. (Wineberg 2004: 60) It was demolished in 1938 to make room for a new Methodist church (Wineberg ibid.), which still stands today

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