Franklin H. Walker House

The Franklin H. Walker House is a Jacobean-style residence with brown brick walls and limestone details in Detroit. The building is defined by a distinctive octagonal tower with a pointed roof at its corner, complemented by a two-story, three-sided bay window projection.

The house was built in 1896 for Franklin H. Walker, a prominent distillery president, and remained the largest residence on Jefferson Avenue for many years. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and reflects Detroit's economic power during its industrial boom.

The house reflects the building traditions favored by Detroit's wealthy industrial leaders and shows how European architectural styles influenced local construction practices. The carefully crafted details document how affluent families displayed their social standing through their residences.

The house is located in an established residential neighborhood and is best visited during daylight hours when the exterior details can be seen clearly. Since the building is privately owned, viewing from the street is possible, though access to the interior may be limited.

The building was later converted into Doctor's Hospital and served as a medical facility for decades before returning to private use. This transformation is no longer visible today, but it demonstrates how such grand residences could be adapted for different purposes.

Location: Detroit

Architects: George D. Mason

Architectural style: Jacobean architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.33920,-83.01970

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:25