This four-unit townhouse arrangement of shared walls was built in 1911 and is highly unusual for the city of Ann Arbor. The building is in wood rather than masonry (see #140). Few other examples exist in the area. It is an odd mix of architectural styles, with elements of the Colonial Revival style in the central pediment, symmetrical facade, and columns supporting the classical porticoes; the Craftsman style in the building’s exterior knee braces and original front doors; and finally the very dated, but lingering appearance of the Queen Anne styling in the front bay windows, one-over-one windows, and cantilevered, corner bump-outs. As a whole the building is a fascinating example of a form that never quite caught on in Ann Arbor and the common mishmash of styles that often were used in buildings.

It was erected in 1911 by Samuel Burchfield who built his own house just around the corner (see #37). Burchfield was a merchant tailor and served as county coroner for many years. The building was owned by the Burchfield family until 1961, when Samuel Levy and P. Root bought it. Early tenants were members of Ann Arbor’s working class, with tradesmen and their families making up the bulk of the residents.

Return to Miller Road/Water Hill/Sunset neighborhood from Historic Ann Arbor: An Architectural Guide