Religious Structures of Woodward Avenue TR

The Religious Structures of Woodward Avenue is a collection of nineteen churches made of stone and brick that stretch for about six miles along Woodward Avenue. These buildings were constructed over several decades and combine High Victorian Gothic, Richardsonian Romanesque, and neo-Gothic elements.

The collection received National Register recognition in 1982 and documents architectural development from the Civil War era through the automobile industry period. They show how the city grew and religious communities settled during this transformative time in urban history.

These houses of worship display different architectural styles that reflect the beliefs of various communities. Each building tells through its design the story of the people who prayed and gathered there.

The buildings sit on corner lots and often house parish buildings and community spaces alongside the places of worship. A visit lets you experience these structures from street level and observe the various architectural details visible along the route.

During the street widening of Woodward Avenue in the 1930s, several churches had to adjust or redesign their facades. These adaptations show the importance of these buildings to the city and how they adapted to urban changes.