The George Prentiss House — 662 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201

One of the West Canfield Historic District’s most sophisticated and eye-catching mansard-roofed homes, the George Prentiss House at 662 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201 (designed by architect Almon C. Varney in 1884) reflects both the architectural ambition of the era and its second Empire styling and the prominence of its first owner: Detroit lumberman and landowner, George Prentiss.

In fact, Prentiss was so important to the West Canfield District that a street was named after him (Prentiss Street) thanks to his decision to construct his property in the area in its earliest days. 

As for the 662 W Canfield St home, Prentiss occupied it until 1889, at which point he sold it to James C. McCaul — another key player in Detroit’s early lumber economy as Secretary of Alger, Smith & Company (one of Detroit’s most powerful lumber firms of the age) and an auditor for the Detroit, Bay City & Alpena Railroad Company.

James C. McCaul occupied the 662 West Canfield residence well into the early 1900s, reinforcing its close ties to Detroit’s early industrial boom years.

Today, the George Prentiss House remains a core part of West Canfield’s historic legacy – a finely preserved testament to Detroit’s early lumber wealth, railroad expansion years, and the master craftsmanship of Almon C. Varney.