Location: 450 Madison Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Style: Prairie Style

Year Built: 1908-09

Website: http://meyermayhouse.steelcase.com/

In October 2017, I traveled with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust in the Wright in the Region tour to see the Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  It is an approximate 3 hour drive from Chicago.

Like many of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses we know and love, the Meyer May House has it’s own story of heartache.  The house was built for Meyer May and his wife Sofie.  Not long after moving into the house, Sofie passed away. Meyer’s second wife and their two adopted children prompted the May’s to build an addition on the house.  The changes made by the May family can be seen in some of the historic photographs.

Unfortunatley, the Meyer May House also suffered its own state of disrepair for many years before it was saved by Steelcase. Thank you, Steelcase!

Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts can now visit the Meyer May House for FREE!  Tours are offered Sundays from 1–4 PM and Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10 AM–1 PM.  Prior to touring this stunning Prairie Style house, you are treated to a video chronicling the disrepair and restoration courtesy of Steelcase.  If only all of the other FLLW houses had such generous caretakers!

I was allowed to take photographs. I have included several for your enjoyment. I mean, who doesn’t love a cantilever?  I can’t get enough of them!  Also, I love looking at the photos of this house.  They are magical.  I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.

HINT: The Meyer May House sits on a corner lot in the historic neighborhood of Heritage Hills.  This neighborhood is eye candy for the historical home lover.  Do yourself a favor and take a walk around the neighborhood before touring the Meyer May House. It will provide an insight into what it must have been like to grow up in an horizatonal Prairie Style house in a neighborhood boasting tall vertical historical mansions.

Corner View

May Historical Marker

Porch

Logan Street View

Madison Street View

View from Corner of Madison and Logan

Living Room

Living Room Stained Art Glass

Living Room Desk

Living Room Gold Mortar Fireplace

Living Room Bookshelf

Living Room Picture Window

Poppy Mural by George Neidecken

Entryway to the Porch

Dining Room Table and Built-in

Dining Room Table Sconce

Master Bedroom

Upstairs looking Down on the Porch

Retractable Hanger System in Hall Closet

Stained Art Glass

Master Bedroom Fireplace

Stained Art Glass in Stairway