Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Original Construction
?Construction Cost
$750,000
Size
7,812 sqft
Completion Date
?

Home to one of the founding families of Grand Rapids, the house is one of the cities most significant cultural resources.

SmithGroup’s Preservation Master Plan included the history of the Voigt House, a description of the house and its general condition, a detailed preservation inventory (site, exterior, interior, systems), implementation policies, and building operations recommendations. Since 1989 four phases of restoration have been completed:  failed masonry wall reconstructed, replacement of slate roof and ornamental cooper, repairs to ornamental pressed metal dormers, and replacement of deteriorated sandstone ornament.

The Voigt family was one of the founders of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  In 1974, the last descendent willed the house and the nearly intact family possessions and papers housed within it to the city.  Operation of the home was turned over to the Public Museum of Grand Rapids shortly thereafter.  The Voigt House is one of Grand Rapids’ most significant cultural resources due to its extraordinary condition and is also significant national resource for the study of late nineteenth century domestic life.

The Voigt House Preservation Master Plan, which SmithGroup completed in 1989, gave the Museum a clear roadmap for the preservation of this community treasure. The plan includes the history of the Voigt House, a description of the house and its general condition, a detailed preservation inventory (site, exterior, interior, systems), implementation policies, and building operations recommendations. Since the completion of the plan, four phases of restoration have been completed:

      •     Reconstruction of failed masonry wall

      •     Replacement/preservation of the slate roof and ornamental cooper

      •     Preservation and repairs to ornamental pressed metal dormers

      •     Preservation and replacement of deteriorated sandstone ornament