William Upton House, Renaissance Revival residence in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
The William Upton House is a residential building with Renaissance Revival details, showing in its tall semi-arched windows, wide roof eaves with decorative brackets, and a gently sloping hipped roof. Today it serves as offices, and from the exterior you can clearly see the original brickwork painted white, which forms the main structure.
William Upton, an English immigrant, built this house between 1866 and 1867, bringing his English building skills to Michigan. The construction represents how mid-19th century immigrants adapted their traditional methods to their new settlement.
The house reflects how English settlers in Michigan adapted their building traditions to their new home, using local materials while keeping their familiar architectural style. Walking around, you notice how this blend of influences appears in the craftsmanship and design details.
The building is visible from the street and located on Utica Road in Sterling Heights where it is easy to find. Before planning to visit the interior, check local information sources since it now functions as offices.
The house was built using English bond brickwork, a traditional English building technique that was later painted white. This specific construction method is uncommon and makes the building a rare example of English craftsmanship in America.
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