Perry Mcadow House

Perry McAdow House Detroit: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Detroit’s historic Midtown district, the Perry McAdow House stands as an enduring emblem of Gilded Age grandeur and architectural heritage. Built in 1891 by mining magnate Perry W. McAdow and his trailblazing wife Clara, this mansion embodies the couple’s remarkable financial ascent and their determination to secure a prominent place in Detroit society. With its Renaissance Revival and Romanesque influences, the house features exquisite stonework, stained glass, and ornate interior details that transport visitors to a transformative era in Detroit’s past. Over the decades, the mansion has transitioned from a private residence to a center for religious and community life, leaving a lasting legacy in the city’s cultural fabric. While regular public access is limited, the Perry McAdow House remains a significant destination for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts, serving as a tangible link to Detroit’s rich history and Clara McAdow’s pioneering business achievements (Kiddle; Detroit Historical Society; Historic Detroit; Wikipedia).

Origins and Construction
The McAdows: Gold, Ambition, and Social Ascent
Architectural Significance
Transition to Community Use
Recognition and Preservation
The House in Detroit’s Growth
Notable Features and Legacy
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Tours, and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Preservation Efforts and Community Engagement
Essential Visitor Tips
Fun Facts
Visuals and Media
Contact and Further Information
Call to Action

Origins and Construction of the Perry McAdow House

The Perry McAdow House, located at 4605 Cass Avenue, was commissioned by Perry W. McAdow and his wife Clara after their tremendous financial success in Montana’s gold mining industry (Kiddle). The couple sought to cement their place among Detroit’s elite by constructing a grand residence in one of the city’s most fashionable neighborhoods. The mansion’s construction cost $65,000—equivalent to over $2 million today—signifying a substantial investment and their social aspirations.

Both Perry and Clara McAdow were central to the house’s origin story. Clara, a formidable businesswoman, managed and sold the Spotted Horse gold mine in Montana for a substantial profit (Kiddle). Their success allowed them to relocate to Detroit, where they lived in the Cass Avenue mansion from 1891 to 1897, leaving a legacy that endures in Detroit’s social history.

Architectural Significance

The Perry McAdow House is a distinguished example of Renaissance Revival and Romanesque Revival architecture (Historic Detroit; detroit1701.org). Notable features include:

Red brick and brownstone façade
Rounded Romanesque arches over doors and windows
Decorative stone carvings
Stained glass windows
Turrets and a hipped roof
Elaborate interior woodwork and frescos

These details underscore the opulence and craftsmanship of late 19th-century Detroit, reflecting the McAdows’ wealth and cosmopolitan tastes.

Transition to Religious and Community Use

After the McAdows’ departure in 1897, the house remained a private residence until it was acquired by the First Universalist congregation in 1913 (Kiddle). It served as a place of worship and later as the parish house for the First Unitarian-Universalist Church of Detroit. In 1917, a two-story church hall was constructed behind the house, integrating it further into the religious and community life of Midtown Detroit.

Recognition and Preservation

The historical and architectural value of the Perry McAdow House has been recognized at multiple levels:

Michigan State Historic Site (1976)
National Register of Historic Places (1980)
City of Detroit Local Historic District (1980)

These designations protect the house and encourage ongoing preservation, ensuring its place as a key example of Detroit’s Gilded Age architecture (Detroit Historical Society; Wikipedia).

The Perry McAdow House in Detroit’s Growth

Constructed during a period of rapid urbanization, the Perry McAdow House reflects Detroit’s transformation into an industrial and cultural powerhouse. Cass Avenue, once lined with the mansions of Detroit’s elite, was emblematic of the city’s prosperity and ambition in the late 19th century (Detroit Historical Society).

Notable Features and Legacy

Beyond its architecture, the house is associated with Clara McAdow’s trailblazing role in mining and women’s advancement. Its evolution from private mansion to community hub mirrors Detroit’s broader social changes and underscores the importance of adaptive reuse in historic preservation (Historic Detroit).

Visiting the Perry McAdow House: Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Visiting Hours

The Perry McAdow House is primarily used as a parish house for the First Unitarian-Universalist Church and is not regularly open for public tours. However, the exterior and historical marker can be viewed from Cass Avenue during daylight hours (detroit1701.org).

Tickets & Tours

No ticket is required to view the exterior. Guided tours are not offered regularly but may be available through special events or open house days arranged by local heritage organizations. For the most current information, contact the First Unitarian-Universalist Church or check community event listings.

Accessibility

The exterior is accessible from the sidewalk. Due to the building’s historic nature, interior accessibility may be limited. Visitors with mobility concerns should inquire in advance if attending a special event.

Travel Tips

Getting There: The house is located at 4605 Cass Avenue in Midtown Detroit, easily reached by car, public transit, or bike.
Parking: Limited street parking is available; arrive early for the best options.
Nearby Attractions: The Detroit Institute of Arts, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and Detroit Historical Museum are all within walking distance.

Nearby Attractions

Midtown Detroit is rich in cultural and historical sites, including:

Detroit Institute of Arts (Visit Detroit)
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Detroit Historical Museum

These destinations pair well with an exterior visit to the Perry McAdow House for a comprehensive Detroit heritage experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Perry McAdow House visiting hours?
A: The house is not generally open for public tours but can be viewed from the street during daylight hours.

Q: Are tickets required to visit?
A: No tickets are needed to view the exterior.

Q: Is the Perry McAdow House wheelchair accessible?
A: The exterior is accessible; interior access may be limited.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours are not regularly offered but may be available during special events.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, exterior photography is encouraged. Please respect private areas.

Preservation Efforts and Community Engagement

The Perry McAdow House’s preservation owes much to the advocacy of local organizations like Historic Detroit and the Detroit Historical Society. These groups work to safeguard Detroit’s architectural heritage and raise public awareness through education, fundraising, and historic home tours.

Essential Visitor Tips

Plan ahead: Check for upcoming open house events or special tours.
Combine visits: Explore nearby Midtown attractions for a full experience.
Dress comfortably: Historic sites may have uneven surfaces and steps.
Stay informed: Follow Historic Detroit for event updates.

Fun Facts and Notable Stories

The mansion is one of the last surviving homes from Detroit’s “Millionaire’s Row.”
Clara McAdow was a suffragist and philanthropist, unusual for women of her era.
The house’s robust construction has allowed it to withstand Detroit’s harsh winters and urban changes (Historic Detroit).

Visuals and Media

Alt text: Exterior view of the Perry McAdow House showcasing Romanesque Revival stonework and turret in Detroit.

View Perry McAdow House Location on Map

Contact and Further Information

For the latest on visiting opportunities, events, and preservation initiatives:

Call to Action

Plan your visit to the Perry McAdow House and experience a unique chapter of Detroit’s history. Download the Audiala mobile app for curated tours, event alerts, and insider tips, and follow us on social media for updates on Detroit’s historic sites.

Summary

The Perry McAdow House is a window into Detroit’s Gilded Age, reflecting the city’s architectural splendor, social aspirations, and enduring spirit. From its origins in the fortunes of Perry and Clara McAdow to its preservation as a landmark, the mansion exemplifies ambition and community significance. Visitors can appreciate its detailed architectural elements and learn about its history as part of a vibrant Midtown cultural landscape. While access is typically limited to exterior viewing, the house remains a must-see for anyone interested in Detroit’s heritage. For those wishing to explore further, the Audiala app offers enhanced self-guided tours and updates on local events. By engaging with this historic site, you honor the stories and achievements that continue to shape Detroit (Detroit Historical Society; Historic Detroit; Visit Detroit).