Balancing Preservation with Modern Needs
The Marywood Campus Motherhouse, now known as Academy Manor, located at 2025 Fulton Street East in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been a significant center for the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids for over a century. The campus has served multiple functions over its history, primarily as the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids home and as an educational institution. In 2022, the campus was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the name “Sisters of the Order of Saint Dominic Motherhouse Complex.” This designation recognizes its architectural significance and its historical importance in the region.
The Marywood Motherhouse
In 1917, the Sisters purchased land at the corner of Fulton Street and Lakeside Drive to develop a new Motherhouse that officially opened in September 1922. The Marywood Motherhouse is a five-story U-shaped structure showcasing Neoclassical architecture with Italian Renaissance detailing. Its façade features a central bay with a limestone columned porte-cochere leading to the main entrance. Architectural elements include limestone cornices, composite column capitals, and decorative arches.
Changing Needs
Recognizing the evolving needs of their aging members, the Sisters decided in 2020 to repurpose the Motherhouse to serve the community. The property was sold to PK Companies and Third Coast Development under the agreement that they would transform the historic building into affordable housing for senior citizens, aiming to preserve the architectural integrity of the Motherhouse while addressing the demand for senior housing in the area.
The adaptive reuse of the building converted the existing structure into 109 apartment units, comprising 18 studios, 76 one-bedroom, and 15 two-bedroom apartments, catering to adults aged 55 and older and offering affordable and market-rate housing options. The renovation involved converting former dormitory-style bedrooms, classrooms, and offices into modern apartments with private bathrooms and updated amenities. Renovation challenges include structural adaptations, MEP updates, accessibility and code compliance, and repurposing communal and sacred spaces.
Preserving the Past, Preparing for the Future
The project carefully balanced preservation and modernization, respecting the building’s historic character while enhancing its functionality for contemporary use. The exterior remained largely untouched, as the Sisters had diligently maintained the original masonry and decorative elements over the years. On the west wing, the outdated 1970s aluminum replacement windows, which had featured blanked-off transoms, were replaced with modern fiberglass windows with clear transoms, improving both energy efficiency and natural light within the apartments.
Site improvements included the removal of overgrown trees that had obscured the building’s façade. However, a pair of historically significant Camperdown Elms were carefully protected and preserved throughout construction. Internally, while all apartments were new construction, the project’s historic designation required maintaining the existing corridor widths.
One of the most striking interior restorations was the revival of the original terrazzo flooring. Layers of old floor coverings were removed to expose the terrazzo, and in many areas, cracks and holes were meticulously patched. Where restoration was not feasible, new LVT and carpet were installed to ensure durability while complementing the building’s historic character.
Academy Manor stands as a testament to the value of historic preservation, demonstrating how thoughtful restoration can bridge the past and present while honoring architectural heritage.
