You might overlook the small frame two-story house on East Jefferson Avenue, west of the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.
And its no surprise. Christ Church, Detroit sits next to it.
The church’s stunning limestone block Greek Revival-style architecture and stained glass windows easily captures your attention.
I’ve admired the church for years as I turned east on Jefferson on my way to Belle Isle.
But this month I took a closer look at the small house next to the church. I pulled my car over to park behind the church so I could explore the house in person.
History of Sibley House
Completed in 1848, Sibley House is the oldest, unaltered wooden frame structure in the City of Detroit. It was built for Judge Solomon Sibley, the first appointed mayor for Detroit.
Unfortunately, Judge Sibley died before the house could be completed. Sibley’s wife, Sarah, lived in the house until 1851 when she died.
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the house served as the home for several relief organizations, a neighborhood welcome center, and housing for a veteran and his family.
The Sibley House was sold to Christ Church in 1925. In 1946, it became the rectory for Christ Church.
Designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1958, the Sibley House was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Architecture of Sibley House
The clapboard, side-gabled Greek Revival-style house has a central columned entrance facing East Jefferson.
The back of the house has a two-story porch; in the 1840’s, you could easily see the Detroit River and passing ships.
One of the most interesting features of the house is described on the Sibley House Detroit website:
Perhaps, the most unusual feature of the house is the hanging switchback staircase, thought to be the only one of its kind, still in existence, in Detroit.
It is considered to be “hanging” because it was built from the top rather than the bottom. The story that has been passed down from generation to generation claims that ladies of another era had difficulty negotiating their large hoop skirts as they descended the staircase.
After doing some research, I discovered a Library of Congress photo of the Sibley House from 1934, taken by S. Lucas (HABS MICH,82-DETRO,12–1).
Recently, the house was renovated with a new shingle roof, updated siding, shutters, and painting.
Check out the photos of the renovation at The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Michigan.
Visiting Sibley House
Sibley House sits to the east of Christ Church, and one block from one of my favorite places for breakfast, the Clique Restaurant (try the salmon patties for breakfast!).
Unfortunately, the Sibley House is not open to the public, but you can view the outside.
I believe it’s still part of the Historic Houses of Worship tour that the Detroit Historical Society organizes.
And if you’re not able to join the tour, next time you’re in Detroit, have breakfast at the Clique, and take a short stroll over to the Sibley House.
