Judge Robert S. Wilson House, Ann Arbor
The Judge Robert S. Wilson House, also known as the Wilson-Wahr House, is a historic residence constructed around 1839 for Robert S. Wilson, an attorney who relocated to Ann Arbor from New York in 1835. The house embodies the professional and political legacy of its original owner. Wilson served briefly as a probate judge and later held a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives. He lived in the house until 1850 before relocating to Chicago, after which the property was sold to John H. Welles.
Architecturally, the house is a well-preserved example of Greek Revival design, with elements that have drawn attention in architectural surveys of the region. Its most distinctive feature is the temple-style fa莽ade, complete with four fluted Ionic columns rising two stories, which architectural historian Fiske Kimball traced to the ancient Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens. The symmetrical front portico and entry framed by pilasters enhance the building鈥檚 classical proportions, while external shutters and a stucco finish over brick complete its formal exterior. A rear addition, thought to have been built by Welles, expanded the structure and added space for a kitchen and servants' quarters.
The interior maintains a period-appropriate layout, with a central hallway and staircase flanked by parlors, and fireplaces in all principal rooms. The house remained in private hands through several generations, including a period when it was rented out by the Wahr family to student organizations. It returned to residential use in the early 20th century and was last known to be owned by Norman and Ilene Tyler after 2002. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Architecturally, the house is a well-preserved example of Greek Revival design, with elements that have drawn attention in architectural surveys of the region. Its most distinctive feature is the temple-style fa莽ade, complete with four fluted Ionic columns rising two stories, which architectural historian Fiske Kimball traced to the ancient Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens. The symmetrical front portico and entry framed by pilasters enhance the building鈥檚 classical proportions, while external shutters and a stucco finish over brick complete its formal exterior. A rear addition, thought to have been built by Welles, expanded the structure and added space for a kitchen and servants' quarters.
The interior maintains a period-appropriate layout, with a central hallway and staircase flanked by parlors, and fireplaces in all principal rooms. The house remained in private hands through several generations, including a period when it was rented out by the Wahr family to student organizations. It returned to residential use in the early 20th century and was last known to be owned by Norman and Ilene Tyler after 2002. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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Judge Robert S. Wilson House on Map
Sight Name: Judge Robert S. Wilson House
Sight Location: Ann Arbor, USA (See walking tours in Ann Arbor)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ann Arbor, USA (See walking tours in Ann Arbor)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Create Your Own Walk in Ann Arbor
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ann Arbor is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
University of Michigan Walking Tour
Ann Arbor is a home to the sprawling University of Michigan 鈥� one of America鈥檚 best public educational institutions, attracting top students and faculty from all over the world.
Founded in 1817 in Detroit as the University of Michigania, 20 years before the territory became a state, this university is Michigan's oldest. The school was moved to Ann Arbor in 1837. Among its alumni there... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Founded in 1817 in Detroit as the University of Michigania, 20 years before the territory became a state, this university is Michigan's oldest. The school was moved to Ann Arbor in 1837. Among its alumni there... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Ann Arbor's Historical Buildings
Founded in the 1820s and centered on the University of Michigan, the city of Ann Arbor boasts hundreds of splendid buildings, many of which are included in the National Register. The U-M campus itself was registered as Historic District in 1978.
The abundance of down-home charm, especially in the historic district, is richly complemented by plethora of time-tested architectural landmarks in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The abundance of down-home charm, especially in the historic district, is richly complemented by plethora of time-tested architectural landmarks in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Ann Arbor Introduction Walking Tour
A western exurb of Detroit, the charming green college town of Ann Arbor possesses a unique charm and down-home atmosphere 鈥� a combination of big-city amenities and a small-town vibe.
It started off as a small strip of land registered in 1825 as "Annarbour", named after the wives of its co-founders, both called Ann, and the stands of bur oak trees. Following the move of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
It started off as a small strip of land registered in 1825 as "Annarbour", named after the wives of its co-founders, both called Ann, and the stands of bur oak trees. Following the move of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles