Herman Strasburg House

GeotaggedNational Register

National Register of Historic Places Filing

Local SignificanceArchitectureEducationPerforming Arts1900-

The Strasburg House is significant as an example of the architectural work of Marcus R. Burrowes, an architect who constructed fine libraries, municipal buildings, residences, schools and social clubs throughout the Detroit area. From 1907 to 1911, Burrowes worked in the firm of Stratton and Baldwin, Detroit architects who were leaders in the local Arts and Crafts Society. The design of the Strasburg, which is a local Arts and Crafts rendition of the late medieval English or Tudor style rural cottage, may derive from Burrowes' education at the hands of Stratton and Baldwin. The Strasburg House is important, secondly, in terms of its role in the transformation of the University-Cultural Center. The building has nearly always had some connection to the performing arts. From 1915 to 1925, the Strasburg family, leading dance teachers, occupied the building. Then, from 1931 to 1944, the structure functioned as a combined private residence and music school. Since becoming a public property in 1949, the Strasburg House has continued in the musical vein as the Wayne University Choral Studio and later the Wayne State University Music Annex.

Physical Description

Built in 1915 by Marcus R. Burrowes, the rustic and cottage style appearance of the asymmetrical, two-and-one-half-story Strasburg House reflects the influences of the Arts and Crafts movement. The first floor is covered in red brick, while the remainder of the exterior is done in cream colored stucco with four inch wide strips of half-timbering. The cross-gabled roof creates a basic 'T' shape plan to the structure. Four broad gable ends--three decorated with half-timbering--appear to project slightly away from the building due to the overhanging boxed eaves and cornice. In addition, a pendant decoration hangs from the peak of each gable end. Most of the windows are double-hung sashes with wooden lub sills, although there are some leaded casement windows on the first level. The four single-stack chimneys show considerable decorative brickwork. Two of the chimneys intersect the southern and western gables; the other two are end wall chimneys. The interior has gone through major alterations over the years. Still, the original oak woodwork, paneling, and cabinetry remains in good condition. The staircase features carvings done in a very ornate Jacobean pattern. A plastered barrel vault covers the ceiling of the former living room.

Architect/Builder

Marcus R. Burrowes

NRHP Ref# 86001036 • Data from National Park Service • Content available under CC BY-SA 4.0

From Wikipedia

The Herman Strasburg House is located at 5415 Cass Avenue in Midtown Detroit, Michigan. It is now known as the Wayne State University Music Annex. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.Herman Strasburg Sr. established was one of the leading dance teachers in Detroit in the 19th century. His son, Herman Strasburg Jr., was born in Detroit in 1860. After graduating from high school in 1876, he joined his father's dancing school, and in 1883 became owner of the business after his father's death.In 1914, Strasburg and his wife Ida purchased this lot on Cass. The following year, they hired architect Marcus R. Burrowes to design the house on Cass Avenue. This was shortly after Burrowes left the firm of Stratton-Baldwin, a leader in bringing Arts and Crafts style to Detroit. Herman Strasburg died in 1918, leaving his dance academy and house to his son Paul. The Strasburg family occupied the home until 1925, although it is not clear if the house was used as a private residence or a dance studio.From 1925 to 1928, Harrison B. Anderson and Jean Campbell occupied the house, and from 1928 and 1931, Mary Fitzpatrick, who lived nearby, rented out rooms in the house to tenants. In 1931, Bendetson Netzorg purchased the house, and lived there with his parents and sister. He also used the house for his piano school, living there until 1944. In 1949, Wayne State University bought the property, using it first as the Wayne University Choral Studio and later as the Wayne State University Music Annex.The Herman Strasburg house is an asymmetrical, two-and-one-half-story house, and is one of the best examples of Tudor Revival architecture in Detroit containing Arts and Crafts elements. The first floor is clad in attractive red brickwork, while the second floor is characteristically half-timbered. The roof is cross-gabled, with projecting half-timbered gable ends and a pendant decoration at the peak. Most windows are double hung, although there are some leaded casement windows on the first floor.The interior has been extensively renovated. However, the original oak woodwork, paneling, and cabinetry remains intact. The main staircase is ornately carved, and the living room has a plastered barrel vault ceiling.Hospitals • Detroit Medical Center Children's Hospital of Michigan• Detroit Receiving Hospital• Harper University Hospital• Hutzel Women's HospitalMuseums • Detroit Historical Museum• Detroit Institute of Arts• Michigan Science Center• Charles H. Wright Museum of African American HistoryClubs • Detroit Masonic Temple• Scarab ClubResidencesReligion • Cass Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church• Cathedral Church of St. Paul• Chapel of St. Theresa-the Little Flower• First Congregational Church• First Presbyterian Church• First Unitarian Church of Detroit• Saint Andrew's Memorial Episcopal Church• Temple Beth-ElUtility buildings • Willis Avenue StationCommercial buildings • Architects Building• Cass Motor Sales• Detroit-Columbia Central Office Building• Graybar Electric Company Building• Russell Industrial CenterPublic facilities • Dunbar Hospital• Majestic Theater• Garden Bowl• Orchestra Hall• Little Caesars ArenaThis list is incomplete.

Content available under CC BY-SA 4.0