Pontiac in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Outstanding Architecture

in Pontiac's Commercial Historic District

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

1. Outstanding Architecture Marker

Inscription. Pontiac was one of Michigan's first cities to develop outside of Detroit however fire consumed much of its core in 1840. The downtown was rebuilt and made more permanent with use of brick and limestone. The richness of building styles that emerged from the mid-1800s through the 1920s reflects Pontiac's great success in carriage-making and later automotive manufacturing. The landmark People's State (better known as Pontiac State Bank) building was the tallest in Oakland County until the 1970s when overtaken by office towers in Southfield and Troy. Many architectural treasures continue in productive service to this day, enhancing the character of Pontiac's downtown.
You Auto Know
At one time Pontiac boasted six theaters downtown due to encouragement from General Motors and the relatively high disposable incomes of autoworkers.

Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 42° 38.203′ N, 83° 17.509′ W. Marker is in Pontiac, Michigan, in Oakland County. Marker is at the intersection of East Pike Street and South Saginaw Street, on the left when traveling west on East Pike Street.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 S Saginaw St, Pontiac MI 48342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Parades and People-Watching (a few steps from this marker); From Trail To Pavement (within shouting distance of this marker); Building Trucks In Pontiac (within shouting distance of this marker); Molten Metal (within shouting distance of this marker); Pontiac's Coach Builders (within shouting distance of this marker); Inspiration Road (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Record Of Innovation (about 500 feet away); Pontiac Thrived (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontiac.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

2. Outstanding Architecture Marker

Close-up of left side

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

3. Outstanding Architecture Marker

Close-up of right side

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

4. Outstanding Architecture Marker

Marker on north wall of The Crofoot

Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 261 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 30, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.