Weinmann Block, Ann Arbor
The Weinmann Block stands as a finely preserved example of late鈥慥ictorian Italianate commercial architecture, built in two stages in the 1880s鈥�1890s. Originally established by German immigrant John鈥疢.鈥疻einmann, the eastern corner section was constructed in 1885 to house his prosperous butcher shop. In 1891, his son Louis and nephew George Stein expanded the block, adding a western portion adorned with ornate galvanized鈥慽ron ornamentation designed to mimic stone detailing, a fashionable and economical technique of the day.
The building鈥檚 fa莽ade captures the attention of every passerby: arched window pediments, bracketed wooden cornice, and metal鈥慺ront fluted pilasters impart a refined elegance to the streetfront. A prominent central pediment on the western half still proudly displays the 鈥淲einmann Block鈥� name and construction date, conveying a sense of architectural storytelling that connects visitors directly to Ann Arbor鈥檚 commercial emergence in the nineteenth century.
Throughout the early 1900s, the Weinmann Block remained a bustling center of daily commerce. The original meat market operated until 1937, after which the esteemed Jno.鈥疌.鈥疐ischer hardware company took residence until the early 1980s. In later years, a development firm sensitively rehabilitated the structure into modern retail and office spaces, most recently featuring the Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant and other downtown establishments, while preserving its historical character.
Today, the Weinmann Block is more than just a building鈥攊t is a lively testament to downtown Ann Arbor鈥檚 layered history. For tourists, it offers both visual delight and a connection to the city鈥檚 story: of immigrant ambition, evolving commerce, and architectural ingenuity. As part of any walking tour of Ann Arbor鈥檚 historic core, this building reveals how craftsmanship and community converge on East Washington鈥檚 streetscape.
The building鈥檚 fa莽ade captures the attention of every passerby: arched window pediments, bracketed wooden cornice, and metal鈥慺ront fluted pilasters impart a refined elegance to the streetfront. A prominent central pediment on the western half still proudly displays the 鈥淲einmann Block鈥� name and construction date, conveying a sense of architectural storytelling that connects visitors directly to Ann Arbor鈥檚 commercial emergence in the nineteenth century.
Throughout the early 1900s, the Weinmann Block remained a bustling center of daily commerce. The original meat market operated until 1937, after which the esteemed Jno.鈥疌.鈥疐ischer hardware company took residence until the early 1980s. In later years, a development firm sensitively rehabilitated the structure into modern retail and office spaces, most recently featuring the Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant and other downtown establishments, while preserving its historical character.
Today, the Weinmann Block is more than just a building鈥攊t is a lively testament to downtown Ann Arbor鈥檚 layered history. For tourists, it offers both visual delight and a connection to the city鈥檚 story: of immigrant ambition, evolving commerce, and architectural ingenuity. As part of any walking tour of Ann Arbor鈥檚 historic core, this building reveals how craftsmanship and community converge on East Washington鈥檚 streetscape.
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Weinmann Block on Map
Sight Name: Weinmann Block
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.
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
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