Alexander Chapoton House, Victorian row house in Downtown Detroit, United States
The Alexander Chapoton House is a three-story brick building with an asymmetrical facade and different window styles on each floor at 511 Beaubien Street. An art gallery occupies the ground floor, while studios operate in the basement and offices fill the upper levels.
Built in the late 1870s by contractor Alexander Chapoton, the house remained his residence until 1893. It ranks among downtown Detroit's last surviving homes from that era.
The building shows how Detroit's neighborhoods shifted from homes to business districts in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You can see this change reflected in how the space is used today.
The building sits in an easily accessible downtown location that can be viewed from the street. Visitors should know that some areas are not open to the public, as portions remain in use as offices and working studios.
The interior retains original Victorian details such as a black marble fireplace mantel, cast-iron heating grilles, and ornate wooden staircases. These elements offer a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship and living standards of wealthy Detroit residents in the 1800s.
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