Appendix H - Historical Archaeological and ... - CBP.gov

Architectural Styles/Forms
Buildings of most styles and forms established across the country exist in Michigan. Perhaps the
earliest building style constructed in Michigan was Greek Revival. Cobblestone houses or
commercial buildings (often in Greek Revival style) are also present in the lower part of the
peninsula. In Michigan, some variations on building forms, such as the Hen-and-Chicks, are
present, particularly in the southern part of the state where settlement occurred earlier. The I-
House is also present in the state. Mid-Century Modern homes are present across the state,
although more are present in urban areas than in rural areas. Rustic-style homes and commercial
buildings are often associated with the resort areas of northern Michigan, as are large-scale
Victorian era hotels and lodges.
Building materials include everything from stone and wood to metal and porcelain enameled
panels. Cobblestone construction tends to be found in southern Michigan, while fieldstone
sheathing is common in northern parts of the state. A local manufacturer has developed concrete
“logs” featured on some rustic buildings, and three well-known catalog house companies were
located in Bay City, shipping their products across the state and nation.
3.2.5 STATES OF MICHIGAN (UPPER PENINSULA) AND WISCONSIN
Property Types by Theme
The most prevalent above-ground resource in the northern portions of Michigan and Wisconsin
is the single-family house. These buildings are found in both urban areas and in rural portions of
the region, with a greater trend toward higher style buildings in urban areas. Houses tend to be
smaller than in the southern portions of Michigan or Wisconsin. Apartments and condominiums
may be present but tend to be found in urban areas rather than small towns and rural areas. In
rural areas, buildings may be part of a farmstead complex or a camp associated with logging or
mining. Because of the large number of recreational opportunities associated with lakes,
waterways, and hundreds of miles of lakeshore, the area boasts a large number of cottages and
retreats, including housekeeping cabins in motel-like settings, first popularized in the 1930s, with
the advent of motor travel. Lighthouses, docks, piers, and harbors are situated along lakeshores.
Early industrial buildings line waterways, particularly near harbors and shipping ports. This
trend has changed over the last half-century, moving parklands to these areas and creating
“parks” of industrial buildings in less desirable locations. Other extant industrial buildings
include modern and historic mining facilities.
Commercial centers are situated in most downtown areas, from the tiniest communities with a
single gas station, to the larger cities with many storefronts. Historically, these commercial
centers consisted of multi-story buildings packed side-by-side. In the mid-twentieth century, the
nationwide trend of indoor shopping centers made its way to the larger cities within the region.
Even in the smallest community, commercial development tends to mean the construction of
strip malls, where automobile access drives the success.
Architectural styles/forms
Perhaps the earliest building style constructed in Michigan was Greek Revival; however, because
settlement came much later to the northern portion of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and to the
Upper Peninsula, there are few buildings of this style present. Although distinctly more rural
Northern Border Activities H-143 July 2012