First constructed in 1879 for respected Detroit dentist Dr. William H. Kessler, the William H. Kessler House at 649 W Canfield St in Detroit’s 48201 zip code is one of the West Canfield Historic District’s oldest living examples of the neighborhood’s early Victorian-style residences.
Today, the 649 W Canfield St residence stands as a perfect reflection of the West Canfield district’s appeal to the elite of the era – men of esteem who sought homes close to downtown with refined character and plenty of curbside appeal.
One such resident was John W. Watling, president of the investment banking firm Watling, Lerchen, and Company.
Watling was a highly respected professional in Detroit’s financial industry in the early 20th century – a man of esteem who further cemented the Kessler House’s reputation as a place of abundance among the city of Detroit’s early elite through his occupancy of it.
With its deep roots in the city’s professional and entrepreneurial history, the William H. Kessler House at 649 W Canfield St remains an essential part of West Canfield’s architectural and cultural story — a timeless reminder of the neighborhood’s long-standing connection to Detroit’s civic and commercial life.
Last updated Jan 5, 2026.
Editor In Chief, Detroit Ledger
Victoria Jackson is a lifelong student and sharp-eyed documentarian of all things Detroit, from its rich musical roots and cultural icons to its shifting neighborhoods, storied architecture, and underground legends. With her finger firmly on the pulse of both the city’s vibrant past and its rapidly unfolding future, she brings a deeply personal, historically grounded lens to every piece she writes.
