Step inside the historic $1.79 million home with ornate stonework and Tiffany glass

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Near downtown Grand Rapids in the historic Heritage Hill neighborhood is a striking mansion that has spent much of the past half century hiding in the plains.

A hidden gem at John St. NE, 221, hard to see from side street. Passers-by have no opportunity to see more than the cobblestones and the round spire rising above the landscaping.

Bill Tyson and Jason Makowski’s nine-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bath home is listed for $1.795 million. NAI Wisinski of West Michigan. With many unique features, including exquisite stonework, Tiffany glass windows and a third-floor ballroom, the home is MLive’s Home of the Week. Homes across the state are featured every Wednesday.

RELATED: Restored 130-year-old Grand Rapids mansion for $1.79M showcases former grandeur

“People come in and it’s shock and awe,” Tyson said. “Whenever you walk into an old house like this, you’re always worried about what might need to be done. Everything was taken care of. The last owners have done an incredible job restoring the home.”

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The stonework that runs to the middle of the exterior of the house is built with stones hauled from the Grand River. The same with a paved road.

Walking through the front porch next to the river rock and entering the wide oak doors, visitors are introduced to the grand entrance. Small niches around the doors are equipped with unique Tiffany glass installations. The room features a wide fireplace, one of seven in the house. The wooden beams on the ceiling on the first floor are distinguished by the Victorian style.

An archway welcomes the formal dining room with original leaded glass built-ins and a preserved stained glass window. Part of the panel with floral wallpaper in the arch depicts Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Halfway up the first flight of stairs, the landing opens up to a tranquil sunroom overlooking Port Kosher on the east side of the house. These sunlit windows are a quiet retreat.

The second floor opens to a living room with a wonderful fireplace. Five bedrooms are located immediately behind the living room. Two bedrooms, including the one originally intended as a master, have fireplaces covered in more unique tiles.

The third floor opens into the ballroom. The walls used original panels of pine beadboard from the ceiling. An illuminated sign on the wall honors the former owners who hosted parties on the premises.

A niche in the ballroom has become a small recreation area. The nearest bedroom is located in the spire of the house, which provides its lofty domed ceiling.

The mansion atop Heritage Hill served many roles. It

It was home to a wealthy businessman, a shelter for runaway teenagers, and a tool repair shop. Most recently, in 2016, the home was purchased by David and Ray Green of Sanford Behavioral Health for an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center. up to 20 men. The Greens spent about $1 million to restore the house over a year and a half.

Sanford Behavioral Health executive vice president and managing director Alec Green, son of David and Rae, said the company’s patients are becoming more acute and changes in the mental health industry have fueled the need for a different space.

According to him, leaving home causes mixed emotions.

“It’s really bittersweet. We grew as a company in this building and I grew personally,” said Alec Green. “I hope we can find someone who can continue to love this house and continue the mission of preserving its history.”

MLive/The Grand Rapids Press photojournalist Isaac Ritchie was able to tour the home. Check out the photos in the gallery above, or click here for a direct link to the gallery.

The history of the house was taken from a 2017 MLive article covering house restoration.

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