Houses Archives - Lost In Michigan

6 Unbelievable Almost Forgotten Historic Michigan Mansions

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Houses, Uncategorized .

Visiting different cities while traveling around Michigan, I’ve noticed in several towns the most prominent house seems to be the one in need of saving. They were built by a wealthy Michigander, but then over time, some were converted into another purpose, such as a restaurant, hospital or apartments. Restoring them to their former glory and maintaining an old house is not as easy as owning a modern “maintenance free” home.

Here is a list, in no particular order, of some of my favorite houses I have seen, They are such beautiful historic houses and it would be sad to lose them.

Ammi Wright house in Alma

The Ammi Wright house in Alma, was used as a hospital and is in the process of being restored. CLICK HERE for more

Charles G. Learned House in Port Austin Michigan

The Charles G. Learnerd House in Port Austin, which was converted into the Garfield Inn, lat time I was there it was for sale. CLICK HERE for more

Heritage House in Chesaning

The Heritage (George Nason) house in Chesaning. Built by lumber baron George Nason and converted into a restaurant in 1980 the Heritage house has been vacant for years and was recently purchased. CLICK HERE for more

the James Scott Residence in Detroit

The James Scott Residence in Detroit, It was recently announced it will be converted into condominiums. CLICK HERE for more

The Hill House in Saginaw

The Hill House Built in 1886 for Clarence and Susie R. Hill. it is currently for sale to someone willing to renovate it. CLICK HERE for more

The Richard C Burtis house in Watrouseville

The Richard C. Burtis House in Watrouseville also known as the “Wedding Cake House” was recently purchased by a local family and they are in the process of restoring it. CLICK HERE for more

Old Lapeer Hospital Mansion

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Historic Places, Houses .

I saw this beautiful old second empire mansion in Lapeer. I looks like it has been converted into apartments now, but doing a little research on google, I found some websites that say it was the old Lapeer Hospital. I am surprised a house like this does not have a Michigan Historical Marker in front of it. I wonder if it was built as a hospital or if it was built for someone as a residence, then used as a hospital, like the Ammi Wright house in Alma. Anyways its a beautiful house, so I stopped to get a pic of it, since they don’t build them like that anymore.

The Significance of the James Shearer House In Bay City

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Historic Places .

When I was in Bay City I saw this old house on Center Ave near downtown and thought it looked majestic, it reminded me of the older homes in Detroit. Without knowing anything about this house I would find out just how significant it was. A few days after I took the pic I was roaming around the world wide web and a saw a photo of a house that looked familiar and then I realized, it’s the house in Bay City that I found so remarkable. Normally I take a photo of a house I know nothing about, I try to research about it and I can’t find any information, but this house was different.

I found out James Shearer built this house in 1876 and lived in it with his family. James Shearer was a builder and besides building this beautiful home, he built several buildings in Michigan, including the building Mill End was in that was recently raised to build new condominiums. He also was chosen by the Governor of Michigan in 1871 to supervise the construction of the state capital along with two other men.

If you’re in Bay City this weekend running the St Patrick’s Day road race you will run right past this magnificent old house. Or maybe you will see it while you are there watching the parade.

you can read more about James Shearer Here and Here