Philetus W. Norris House

The Philetus W. Norris House is a two-story Victorian structure with detailed ornamental trim located at the intersection of Mound Road and Davison Avenue. The building displays characteristic features of residential architecture from that period with an elaborate facade and traditional floor plan.

The house was built in 1873 by Philetus W. Norris, a man who later gained prominence as superintendent of Yellowstone National Park. His career shaped local history and connected this residence to a larger national institution.

The house reflects the residential style that German Lutheran families built in Detroit during the late 1800s, and their architectural influence remains visible in how the structure is designed.

The house is visible from the outside, but may be limited in accessibility due to previous fire damage in its current condition. It is best to visit the surrounding area during daytime and view the Victorian details from the street.

The area was originally known as Prairie Mound but later took the name Norris after the Detroit and Bay City Railroad depot. This renaming shows how a single family and a railroad facility shaped the name of an entire neighborhood.