Victorian Commercial building, Ann Arbor, Michigan

The precursor of the modern paint store are shown in this nineteenth century photo of the newly erected commercial building decorated for a German- American celebration in 1886.  This type of Italianate commercial building was extremely popular in the mid to late century and populates most cities and towns in the Midwest.  Its hallmarks are the ornate cornice with brackets, arched windows and glassed street facing display along with an eager staff to help you make your paint and varnish selections.

A century later - The same building as it looked circa 1990.  Located less than a block off a prosperous main street the “Cracked Crab” restaurant had recently closed.  The building had been altered over the years with the upper cornice damaged but thankfully not removed.  Eighteen coats of pealing white paint adorned the brick and a fake New England sea port front was placed on the first floor.  The location was prime for an historic restoration.

Restored - The Café Zola now reflects the original late nineteenth century commercial structure once again.  The building owner Jon Carlson decided to take the restoration back to the condition documented in the earlier photo. The first floor was restored to match the 1880s image as was the cornice.  The paint was carefully removed revealing a grand orange brick. Detail colors from an 1880s paint catalogue were added as well as colorful awnings.  The restoration, along with the neighboring Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, brought new life to a neglected commercial block and that success has continued for over a decade.

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Copyright 2002 - 2006: Robert Schweitzer. Last revised: October 3, 2006