Almost Lost: Building and Preserving Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Almost Lost, Building and Preserving Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, Michigan begins like a suspense novel, with the startling declaration, "We almost lost it." Turn to a full-page, black-and-white photograph of wrecking cranes demolishing the 1888 Romanesque Revival, Grand Rapids City Hall. That image clearly demonstrates what was at stake when well-meaning urban renewal projects threatened the old houses on Heritage Hill.

Thanks to local advocacy groups and government recognition, Heritage Hill Historic District is saved -- for all kinds of residents.

"Variety" is a keynote sounded throughout the story, from diversity of architectural styles, home cost and scale, to diversity of residential population. Author Thomas Logan identifies and discusses 15 major architectural styles found on Heritage Hill. Many black-and-white and warm color photographs, along with contemporary and modern drawings, illustrate each style with both "grand" and "humble" examples. A generous complement of maps serves to guide readers through the historical terrain.