The Castle / The Castle

The Castle / The Castle is a Michigan historical marker in Grand Rapids, Kent County, dedicated 1979.

Kent County · dedicated 1979 · 455 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids

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Designed by local architect William G. Robinson, this castle-like edifice was constructed in 1884-86 for Colonel E. Crofton Fox and his brother Charles. Built of granite block imported from Scotland, this house is a fine example of Chateauesque-style architecture. A Heritage Hill landmark, this house features leaded and stained glass windows, and a metal stair dormer superbly crafted to resemble stone. Its interior is adorned with parquet flooring in the entry hall and a carved oak staircase. It was refurbished as a restaurant in 1978. The Fox brothers, Ethelbert Crofton (1852-1904) and Charles (1853-1915), local lumber barons, built this structure as their home. These brothers were partners in a Grand Rapids lumbering firm, Osterhout, Fox and Company, and accumulated vast wealth. Appointed to the State Military Board by Governor Cyrus Luce in 1887, E. Crofton, a colonel, was twice elected president of that organization. He was also associated with banking and was treasurer of the City Board of Trade. Charles was a founder of the Michigan Trust Company, established in 1889.

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Marker data: Michigan History Center
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On the National Register nearby

Heritage Hill Historic District150 ft

Places within about 300 feet of this marker that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A nearby listing is not always the marker's own subject.