Lawrence and Chapin Building, c1915
William S. Lawrence and Dr. L.C. Chapin built this iron manufacturing facility near Arcadia Creek between 1870 and 1872. The building was designed by local architect L.D. Grosvenor and built by the Bush and Patterson architectural firm. After the factory closed, the building was used for a variety of purposes including a religious mission, a skating rink,an interurban railroad station, and was the original location of the Vermeulen Furniture Company.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum Photograph, 94.16.3
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Lawrence and Chapin Building, 2009
In 1994, the building was renovated as part of the Arcadia Commons project, which included the construction of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and the West Michigan Cancer Center. The building's most recent occupant was National City Bank and is currently vacant. A stunning model of Second Empire architecture, the Lawrence and Chapin Building is treasured both locally and abroad.
Laura VanTimmeren, Western Michigan University, School of Art, 2009
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