South Hills in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

May House

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 4, 2021

1. May House Marker

Inscription. This house was built in 1908-09 for local clothier Meyer S. May and his wife. Sophie Amber. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the house in the prairie style. It was his first major commission in Michigan. May was the son of Abraham May, founder of May and Son clothing store in 1906 Meyer became president of the store, which was the first in the nation to display clothes on Batts hangers. Meyer May lived here until his death in 1936. The home was used as a private residence until 1985. In 1986, Steelcase Inc. began the complete restoration of the house, its interior and grounds.

Erected 1987 by Bureau of History - Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1342.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 42° 57.244′ N, 85° 39.543′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in South Hills. Marker is on Madison Avenue Southeast near Logan Street SE, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 450 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49503, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gerald R. Ford Boyhood Home / President Gerald R. Ford

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(approx. 0.3 miles away); The Castle (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bishop Frederic Baraga (approx. 0.4 miles away); Voigt House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Catholic Central High School (approx. half a mile away); Saint Andrew School Memorial (approx. half a mile away); St. Andrew's Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Ladies Literary Club (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.

Photographed By Thomas Smith, March 6, 2021

2. May House Marker

Photo of home showing Frank Lloyd Wright design elements. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 4, 2021

3. Photo of home showing Frank Lloyd Wright design elements.

Photographed By Thomas Smith, March 6, 2021

4. May House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2021, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on April 6, 2021, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. 3. submitted on July 4, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on April 6, 2021, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.