Charles Trowbridge House

The Charles Trowbridge House sits on East Jefferson Avenue and combines its original Federal-style design with Victorian additions that came later. The most noticeable feature is the three-sided bay window that extends from the building's side.

Built in 1826, this house is the oldest documented building still standing within Detroit's city limits. It has survived through the city's transformation from a frontier settlement into a major industrial center.

The house reflects how Detroit's architectural tastes changed through the 1800s as owners adapted it to follow new styles. You can see how the original design was updated with Victorian additions, showing how buildings evolved to match what people found fashionable.

The building now serves as office space for multiple businesses, so access for visitors may be limited. Check ahead to see if you can visit, since it functions as a working commercial property rather than a museum.

In 1889, the two eastern bays of the house were removed, transforming the original five-part structure into the three-bay form you see today. This dramatic alteration shows how much the building's use and appearance were reshaped over time.

Location: Detroit

Architectural style: Victorian architecture, Federal architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.33361,-83.03278

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42