Gazing at this Colonial Revival house makes you ponder. How did the Fred A. Baker House end up here? It is a beautiful private residence on the south side of LaSalle Boulevard. Street parking is available if you want to visit.
The Fred A. Baker House has a story. Fred A. Baker was an attorney and former state legislator. In 1890 he bought 320 acres in Royal Oak Township. Baker developed the land into the Black Meadow Dairy Farm. It became one of the area’s largest dairies.
But the Fred A. Baker House wasn’t originally here. It was built in 1896 on his farm across LaSalle Street. In 1916, the house was moved to this site. Baker and associates formed the Baker Land Company. They subdivided the farm into the Bronx Subdivision. It became one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
Fred A. Baker was more than just a land developer. He was also a prominent figure in Detroit. Baker served as a member of the State Legislature. He also served on the Detroit Corporation Council. Baker was involved in civil service reform. His papers from 1874 to 1916 deal with political subjects.
The Fred A. Baker House is a tangible reminder of his legacy. It reflects Baker’s ambition and vision. It represents a time when Detroit was rapidly expanding. This house is designated as Local Site #1360. It’s a piece of Detroit’s history.
Today the Fred A. Baker House stands as a testament to Detroit’s past. Its relocation marks a significant moment. It shows the transformation of farmland into residential areas. The Fred A. Baker House is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of Detroit’s growth. It embodies the spirit of its early developers.