Samuel L. Smith House

The Samuel L. Smith House is a red brick mansion at 5035 Woodward Avenue featuring three stories with a distinctive round corner tower and a Romanesque arched entry. The structure combines solid masonry work with architectural details typical of its Queen Anne style period.

The building was constructed in 1889 by architects Rogers and MacFarlane for William C. Williams, who had founded a medical college. It later passed to Samuel L. Smith, who maintained it as a residence for decades.

The residence displays fine craftsmanship through its oak wainscoting and decorative leaded glass window, reflecting the tastes of Detroit's wealthy residents in the early 1900s. These interior details show how prosperity shaped the homes of successful businessmen during that era.

The house sits at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Warren Avenue in Midtown Detroit and is maintained by Wayne State University. Its location near the Detroit Institute of Arts makes it a natural stop when exploring the cultural institutions in the neighborhood.

Samuel L. Smith was an investor in major industrial companies and helped finance the Olds Motor Works, a pioneering force in early automobile manufacturing. His business activities connect this elegant residence to Detroit's role in industrial history.

Location: Detroit

Architects: Rogers and MacFarlane

Architectural style: Queen Anne style architecture

Part of: Wayne State University

GPS coordinates: 42.35728,-83.06541

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:00