Central Business District in Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Peninsula Building

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 12, 2022

1. The Peninsula Building Marker

Inscription. Originally designed for the Peninsula Restaurant, this three-story brick structure was built by Nicholas Baumann in 1874. The elegant ethnic restaurant gave way to the Franklin and Folz clothing store in 1884. After Franklin and Folz moved in 1924, the building housed a succession of businesses including a stove company, a department store, a book bindery and a hotel. It became the headquarters for the W. R. Biggs/Gilmore agency in 1973. Severely damaged by a 1980 tornado, the building was completely rehabilitated in 1980-81.

Erected 1984 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L1000.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.

Location. 42° 17.499′ N, 85° 34.899′ W. Marker is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in Kalamazoo County. It is in the Central Business District. Marker is on Portage Street near East Michigan Avenue (Business Interstate 94), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49007, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Caleb Sweetland Building (within shouting distance of this marker); A.U.V. Auditorium

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Button-Jannasch Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Haymarket Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Haymarket Historic District (about 300 feet away); Art Deco (about 400 feet away); Transportation (about 400 feet away); The Kalamazoo Mall (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalamazoo.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 12, 2022

2. The Peninsula Building Marker

The Peninsula Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 14, 2022

3. The Peninsula Building and Marker

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 12, 2022

4. The Peninsula Building and Marker

The Peninsula Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 12, 2022

5. The Peninsula Building

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 13, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3. submitted on August 16, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4, 5. submitted on January 13, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.