GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Sweet House, one of the oldest standing homes in West Michigan, has been recognized with a state historical marker. The Sweet House Foundation unveiled the marker last month in honor of its 20th anniversary.
“This historical marker affirms The Sweet House’s place in Grand Rapids,” Tamara Steil, president of the Sweet House Foundation, said in a statement. “It ensures that future generations will understand the impact and history that this home represents.”
The Sweet House: An inside look at a piece of Grand Rapids history
The Sweet House is named after its first owner: Martin Sweet. It was built in the 1860s and still stands on the corner of East Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue. The Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids bought the building in 1927 and brought it back to life.
After Sweet, the house was owned by Frank and Clara Davis. Clara was one of the founders of the St. Cecilia Music Society. Renowned concert pianist Ottokar Malek briefly ran his music school out of the home.
The Women’s City Club voted not to renew its lease at the Sweet House in 2018, officially leaving the building to the Sweet House Foundation. Now, the space is used as an events center, hosting weddings, showers and other meetings…