Old Cadillac City Hall Explained

Old Cadillac City Hall
Location:201 Mitchell St., Cadillac, Michigan
Coordinates:44.2489°N -85.4°W
Architect:William W. Williamson
Builder:A.W. Muhnek, J. R. Fletcher
Architecture:Romanesque, Richardsonian Romanesque
Added:June 26, 1986
Refnum:86001380
Designated Other1:Michigan State Historic Site
Designated Other1 Link:Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
Designated Other1 Date:June 23, 1983
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom

The Old Cadillac City Hall is a government building located at 201 Mitchell Street in Cadillac, Michigan. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1983 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

History

In 1899, the citizens of Cadillac voted to construct a new City Hall. Architect William W. Williamson designed the building, and A.W. Muhnek of Grand Rapids, Michigan began construction in 1900. However, the builder failed, without an adequate bond, and in early 1901 builder J. R. Fletcher had to be brought in to finish the project.[1] The structure was used by the city of Cadillac until 1977, when a new Cadillac City Hall was constructed. The building was vacant for seven years, and was later renovated for commercial and office use.

Description

The Old Cadillac City Hall is a three-story building constructed of brick with stone facing with a steeply pitched slate roof. The building has Richardsonian Romanesque detailing, including the arched doors and windows.[1] The first floor contains rectangular windows in rectangular opening, the second floor contains round-headed window openings, and the third floor has steeply sloped stone gables. Stone steps approach the monumental, centrally located arched main entrance broad, set into a slightly projecting, entrance pavilion. The pavilion is topped with a peaked gable roof. The east side contains arched stone openings defining the entrances to the original fire station.

The interior of the building has an ornamental staircase connecting the floors. The lower level has a vaulted brick ceiling underneath the fire truck area above.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cadillac City Hall . Michigan State Housing Development Authority: Historic Sites Online. October 27, 2013.