117-year-old former Grosse Pointe Schools building added to National Register
A former schoolhouse in Grosse Pointe is being recognized as a historic treasure this week, securing its place of honor on the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places.
The building, located at 389 St. Clair Ave., was constructed between 1905 and 1906 and was known as the Cadieux School. The original structure, designed by architectural firm Stratton and Baldwin, was a two-story brick building intended to serve as a schoolhouse, and in later years — as the student population expanded — additions were tacked onto the structure and it grew into its now 30,000-square-foot grandeur, according to the Grosse Pointe News.
The National Register of Historic Places recognizes historic landmarks and structures worthy of preservation. The list is part of an effort to facilitate support to identify and protect the nation's historic and archeological resources. The former school administration building was also recognized by the Grosse Pointe Historical Society with a bronze historic building plaque in 2004.
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The building, which for a number of years served as the Grosse Pointe Public School System's administrative headquarters, was under the district's ownership until it sold the structure to developer Brian Giles, who was raised in Franklin and now lives in the Chicago area. The deal closed in January and the structure will be redeveloped for residential purposes.
"It's (the building) got an amazing history, so it was a pretty easy process," Giles said in a call with the Free Press on Friday. "The reason we pursued it (getting on the National Register) is because in our redevelopment of the project, we're going to utilize historic tax credits as part of our capital stack."
The project is still in its predevelopment plans as architectural plans are finalized and a general contractor is selected, Giles said. The structure will be converted into 18 apartments, varying in floor plans. He plans to maintain the building's historic details and personality while ensuring future residents are provided proper amenities.
"The common areas will remain and we're going to bring back the original characteristics with wainscoting and the doors in the corridors," he said. "It's going to be completely redevelopment, yet retain those historic features."
Giles expects construction to begin later this summer and hopes to have tenants move in by next summer.
Contact Miriam Marini: mmarini@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Former Cadieux School in Grosse Pointe added to National Register
