Click above images to enlarge Behrns, Joachim, House 5297 Ten Mile Road, Warren - Macomb County Other Names Behrns-Qualmann House Property Type frame house Historic Use DOMESTIC/single dwelling Current Use DOMESTIC/single dwelling Style Late Victorian Narrative Description The Joachim Behrns House, commonly called the Behrns-Qualmann House, is a compound massed-plan frame dwelling clad in clapboard and resting on a stone-faced block foundation. It is a variant of the upright-and-wing house type that combines Greek Revival and Italianate style elements. The massing of the house indicates that it may be the product of several construction episodes. The two-story gable-front upright unit presents a three-bay facade that was originally symmetrical. The surviving four-over-four sash windows feature pedimented hoods. The first story windows have been replaced by a triple windows of more recent vintage. A frieze board occurs beneath the plain eaves. The flanking single-story side-gabled wing with a shed-roof porch exhibits little stylistic embellishment. The six-over-six sash windows occur in plain surrounds but the porch pillars display classically-influenced capitals and a wide frieze occurs at the eaves. The single-story rear ell/summer kitchen repeats these decorative elements as well as an umbrage porch. The gables of both the wing and ell units are broken by chimneys exhibiting ornamental brick work. Statement of Significance Joachim Behrns arrived in Warren Township in 1851 and his house is reputed to be the oldest home standing in Warren. Records indicate that at least a portion of the house, probably the present wing, existed as early as 1856. In 1861 the generalized Italianate influence two-story upright unit was added after Behrns had experienced some prosperity. The rear ell/summer kitchen was added around the turn of the century. Behrns farmed the land until his death in 1888 and in 1902 his son Henry sold the farm to Charles Qualmann. Charles deeded the farm to his son William, who farmed the tract until 1928. William Qualmann was elected Warren Township treasurer and served on the Center Line Board of Education. He occupied the house until his death in 1983. The Behrns House is one of the oldest surviving structures in Warren, a rural dwelling in a rapidly developing area. Period of Significance 1826-1865 Significant Date(s) 1856, 1861, 1900, 1888, 1902, 1928, 1983 Registry Type(s) 06/21/1990 State Register listed Site ID# P24078