| Willis–Selden Historic District | |
| Nrhp Type: | hd |
| Nocat: | yes |
| Location: | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Coordinates: | 42.3492°N -83.0644°W |
| Built: | 1870 |
| Architect: | multiple |
| Architecture: | Colonial Revival, Beaux Arts, Early Commercial |
| Added: | December 01, 1997 |
| Mpsub: | Cass Farm MPS |
| Refnum: | 97001478 |
The Willis–Selden Historic District is a historic district located in Detroit, Michigan, consisting of three streets: Willis, Alexandrine, and Selden, Running from Woodward Avenue on the east to Third Avenue on the west. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
The land forming the Willis–Selden Historic District was originally the Park Lots, the Cass Farm, and theJones/Crane Farm.[1] These parcels were subdivided in the late 1800s. Due in part to the growth of Detroit during the 1860s and generous lot sizes, the Willis–Selden District became a popular area for development, particularly for the relatively wealthy professional class.[1]
In the early twentieth century, the district became home to auto industry suppliers, once again due to its locationand large lots.[1] Forty-one percent of commercial buildings in the district built between 1910 and 1930 were auto-related.[1] In addition, large, high-density apartments were constructed to meet the demands of the huge influx of auto workers into Detroit. However, the Great Depression had a marked impact on the industry and on the Willis–Selden Historic District, sending it into decline.[1]
Of the buildings located within the district, a number a historically significant in their own right. These include: