What Defines the Old West Side?
The
Old West Side is an historic residential neighborhood of about 2000 homes whose architecture, streetscape, history, and environment are uniquely characteristic of 19th century Midwestern America.
The Old West Side neighborhood is bounded by South Main and the Ann Arbor Railroad tracks on the east, Huron on the north, generally the Eberwhite area on the west, and Pauline on the south. For the exact boundaries of the Old West Side, refer to an on line map. The tree lined topography is sloped slightly to the northeast. Streets are laid in grid format, except West Liberty which was a trail and runs "southwest/northeast." Newer blocks are curved streets and cul-de-sacs.
What Is the Old West Side Community/Historic District About?A non-profit Old West Side Association, run by a nine-member Board of Directors, was formed in 1967 to promote neighborhood conservation. The Old West Side Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The Ann Arbor
Old West Side area building codes are found on this site. It is nicknamed "old German Town" or "Cabbage Town."
The Old West Side is further protected through a local Ann Arbor Historic Preservation Ordinance passed in 1978, revised in 1992, and replaced in 2007. The Old West Side Association hosts
neighborhood meetings, forums, publishes a newsletter, and sponsors annual events including the
Fall Homes Tour in September, Old West Side Week, and the Children's Festival at Wurster Park. They will help residents process State of Michigan tax credits for maintaining the historic character. You may see many residents gather at Washtenaw Dairy and the West Jefferson Market.
What do the Homes of the Old West Side Look Like?Most of the buildings date from 1850 to 1925. Most homes are of revival architectural styles, set on lots that are about 66’x132’ with small front yards. Many are frame/wood exterior, stucco or brick, built as two story. Most feature gabled roofs with front and side porches with ornamentation and spindles. Styles include: gothic cottages, Romanesque villas, Italian bracket, colonial, Georgian revival, Queen Anne and mansard. There are some new homes scattered within the area too.
What to Find an Old West Side Dream Home?We are eager to help with your Ann Arbor real estate search and be your buyers advocate. Call us 734-274-9622; your Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts.