Grand River Limestone in Grand Rapids MI

Hundreds of tons of limestone were removed from the Grand River in the late 1800s/early 1900s and were used to construct buildings. But only three of those river limestone buildings still stand in Grand Rapids today (contrary to the sign in the public museum).

(From the Grand Rapids Public Museum)

This is the Eliphalet Turner House at 731 Front Ave NW. It was built in 1846. 

The second limestone structure can be found at 222 Fulton Street SE. Zillow reports it was built in 1900 but it's probably older than that.

It has a large red brick addition in the rear.

The third river limestone building that still exists in Grand Rapids is the beautiful St. Mark's Episcopal Church at 134 Division Avenue N. It was completed in 1849 and the stone towers were added in 1851.

It's lovely that these three historic structures still stand in our city.

We also still have two cobblestone streets and one cobblestone alley in Grand Rapids.

Click here to see them.