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The Frederick Linsell House of Fine Performing and Communication Arts is a landmark building on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Originally located on the corner of 2nd and Putnam, the two-story Georgian style home was constructed for Frederick and Rosa Linsell in 1904, by architect John C. Stahl at a cost of $9,000. The Linsells lived there for 10 years before selling it. After serving as a home for two more families, the building was bought by the Detroit Board of Education in the 1930s. In 1939 the building became the Women’s Study Building for the university. It was the only building of 16 on its block that survived the expansion of Wayne State’s campus in the mid 1900s. In 1956 the Board of Education donated the Linsell House to the university and it became the office for the School of Business, and later the Biology Department. In 1987 the house was restored and turned into the Dean’s Office for the College of Fine Performing and Communication Arts. The thirteen-room house is now located at 5104 Gullen Mall, in the middle of the Wayne State campus.
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Frederick Linsell
Frederick Linsell was Secretary Treasurer of the William Wright Company. As an officer of this furniture decorating firm Frederick earned a comfortable lifestyle. He and his wife Rosa valued fine woodwork, and Georgian qualities. In 1904 at the age of 57, Linsell built the two-story brick house with a stable. Frederick and his wife Rosa lived in their house for 10 years before they sold it. Frederick Linsell lived to be 91. (1847–1938)
Architect John C. Stahl
John C. Stahl was a German American who also enjoyed fine woods. Stahl graduated from Central High School (Old Main) and went on to night school to study building and design while working in architectural offices during the day. Stahl was only 28 years of age when he designed the Linsell House. He crafted the house just to the liking of Mr. Linsell by incorporating fine woods and Georgian style windows in his design. Stahl went on to establish a successful career by partnering up and starting his own company named Stahl & Kinsey Architects. Later Stahl went on to design many churches in Detroit. John Stahl enjoyed a length career and lived to be 76. (1874–1951)
Linsell House (Exterior Features)
The Linsell House is an example of 20th Century colonial architecture. The two-story brick structure has a Georgian style with its beautiful palladium window positioned over its front portico. The windows are framed in stone and it has 2 chimneys asymmetrically placed on its roof. The Georgian hip roof make the house seem much taller.
Linsell House (Interior Features)
The Linsell House has thirteen rooms with beautifully paneling and oak woodwork from its original construction. It has its original expansive staircase that is in wonderful condition. Although the house was restored its features haven’t changed much.