The Meyer May Residence Gallery
1908
S.148
450 Madison Ave., S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
I visited the Meyer May House at 450 Madison Ave., in Grand Rapids, MI. on the morning of September 3, 2024. This house is called “Michigan’s Prairie Masterpeice” and is known for its tan brick, red Belgian tile roof, copper detailing, and its many leaded art-glass windows. In fact, there is only one window in the whole house that is not art-glass. The Steelcase Company purchased the home and did an awarding winning museum quality restoration in 1988. Steelcase also purchased the house next door and turned it into a visitor center, which hosts tour participents and docents who lead the tours. I am so glad I got to experience this stunning structure. For more details about my visit to, and tour of, the Meyer May house see my blog post about my trip to Michigan. Below you will find some of the photos I took that day — I hope you enjoy them!
Close, But No Cigar…
On my visit to the Meyer May house, I also walked over to the David M. Amberg House located at 505 College Ave SE, which is just a few blocks away. While there are some claims that this house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it must be noted that it is not listed in the Storrer Catalogue, since it was apparently designed by one of Wright’s apprentices, namely, Marion Mahony Griffen. You can definitely see the Wright influences at the house, which is done in the Prairie Style. Below are some photos I took of the Amberg House during my visit to Grand Rapids.