Stockwell House, Grand Rapids

The Stockwell House is a stunning example of high-style Queen Anne architecture. Built in 1882 for A. E. Stockwell, the home features hallmark elements of the Queen Anne style, including a steeply pitched roof, an asymmetrical front façade, and a prominent corner tower. Its decorative details are primarily influenced by the Eastlake style, complemented by intricate stick-work trim that adds to its visual appeal. Originally a single-family home, the property was converted into apartments in the 1950s but has since been meticulously restored to its original purpose.

The house's first occupant, A. E. Stockwell, was a notable figure in the Grand Rapids community. A lumberman and partner in the Stockwell & Darragh Furniture Company, he lived in the home until 1890 when it was sold to John B. Martin I. Martin, whose family had ties to Grand Rapids' early development—his father collaborated with founding father John Ball in the freight business—was a successful real estate entrepreneur. The Martin family lived in the home until 1940, leaving a legacy intertwined with the city’s history.

Notably, John B. Martin I's son, John B. Martin II, achieved significant success in politics and served with distinction in the U.S. Navy. His role in secret service operations in Europe during World War II, as well as his attendance at the Nuremberg Trials, highlights the family's prominent contributions on both local and international stages. Today, the Stockwell House stands as a beautifully preserved piece of Grand Rapids' architectural and historical heritage.