The past few days have been beautiful in Grand Rapids, Michigan. One of the areas which comes alive during Spring is the historical district. Although, there are several communities with historical designations, the oldest and best known is Heritage Hill which has over 1300 homes and is one of largest urban historical districts in the nation.

It's a fascinating place to tour on foot or by car. Because the weather was so nice, I parked my car and did some walking. There are few sensations more wonderful than feeling the sun on your face, being caressed by a gentle breeze and hearing nature conversing with itself in a variety of ways.

Like, every area in Grand Rapids, Heritage Hill has been affected by the downturn in the economy, but the area has weathered the storm better than most. The economic revitalization of the downtown Grand Rapids area combined with the development of the Medical mile and area universities have made the location attractive to artisans, business folks and professionals who eschew long drives to work.

Well, here are some pictures I took while I was out & about...Enjoy!

Older homes framing the new highrise buildings springing up all over

downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Memories of a bygone era romance this Dutch Colonial style home...

This home has always fascinated me...You can't help but turn to look, it's so huge...

This picture was taken inside one of our new listings, a duplex on 245-247 Henry St Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 listed for $135,000. The sun was shining so brightly that my camera was not getting the shot I wanted.

When I edited the photo into sepia tones, I felt it captured beautifully the period of the 1900's with a modern twist. This home is in the Cherry Hill Historic District, adjacent to the Heritage Hill Historic District. Call 616-791-0511 for additional details or for a tour.

Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved

Recently, our office decided to visit some of the downtown Grand Rapids, MI condominium developments. During the tour, we drove by the Voigt House, a historic Victorian Museum. This unique 19th century home was the residence of the Voigt family for 76 years until 1907. It has been preserved with the original furnishings and personal belongings of the family...a fascinating inside view of what life was like in the Victorian era in Grand Rapids.

The Museum is open every Tuesday between 11:00 a.m. ~ 3 p.m. and every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. It is also available for special occasions such as wedding ceremonies and special dinners. On the day that we dropped by, they were preparing for a special fund raising dinner.

The Voigt House is located in a larger historic community in Grand Rapids, Mi known as the Heritage Hill neighborhood. Heritage Hill comprises of approximately 1300 properties adjacent to the downtown Grand Rapids area. The houses date from 1848 and represent over 60 different types of architectural designs. It was this community that the well-to-do, like the lumber barons, teachers, legislatures and judges who shaped the course of the city lived.

Today, Heritage Hill is a vibrant and eclectic community and comprises of a diverse group of professionals, artisans and home owners from every background imaginable. It's a wonderful community to drive through and look at the grand homes which defined the city's past and are continuing to actively shape it's future.

Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved