Howell Downtown Historic District

Howell Downtown Historic District stretches across five blocks along Grand River Avenue with sixty buildings on fourteen acres in the central business area. The structures display styles from Neoclassical to Gothic Revival and form the heart of the historic downtown.

Major fires in 1887 and 1892 destroyed the original buildings, prompting rapid reconstruction that shaped the district we see today. The rebuilding created a cohesive collection of structures spanning late 1800s through mid-1900s styles.

The courthouse, library, and church stand as anchors of community life, each built in a distinct architectural style that reflects local values. These buildings show how the town invested in institutions that served both practical and civic purposes.

The district houses numerous shops and restaurants within its preserved structures, making it easy to explore on foot at your own pace. The flat terrain and regular street grid help visitors navigate without confusion.

The First Presbyterian Church features a distinctive square tower with crenellations and pinnacles built from gray coursed stone in 1915. This tower stands out as one of the most recognizable architectural features throughout the entire district.

Location: Howell

GPS coordinates: 42.60750,-83.93028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:12