Parker, Arthur M., House

The Arthur M. Parker House is significant in terms of its neo-medieval design and for its connection with the Detroit architectural partnership of Malcanson and Higginbotham. The house was designed for Arthur M. Parker, secretary-treasurer of the Detroit Boiler Company, by William G. Malcanson and William E. Higginbotham, who had formed a partnership in 1893. The firm was particularly well known for several notable and picturesque Romanesque Revival churches in Detroit and for its school buildings--including the 1896 former Central High School, now 'Old Main' of Wayne State University--in the city of Detroit.

The Arthur M. Parker House stands adjacent to the Frederick K. Stearns House, facing southeast toward East Jefferson Avenue. The Parker House is a two-and-one-half-story house with brick facades on its first story and stucco and half-timbering above. The house is similar in style to the Stearns House, with its medieval character reinforced by irregular bays, though more restrained. The interior is Colonial Revival in style.