Click above images to enlarge Andrus, Loren, House 57500 Van Dyke Street, Washington - Macomb County Other Names Washington Octagon House Property Type Octagon House Historic Use DOMESTIC Current Use DOMESTIC Style Octagon Mode Architect/Builder DAVID STEWART Narrative Description The Loren Andrus House is a two-story, red brick octagonal structure surmounted by a clapboarded octagonal belvedere. A single-story porch supported by wooden Corinthian columns wraps around seven sides of the house, broken only by a gable-roofed rear extension. Large paired brackets decorate the cornice. Nearby, two outbuildings are extant. Inside, a dramatic central spiral staircase reaches the height of the house and leads into the belvedere. Statement of Significance The Loren Andrus House is the largest and finest octagon house in Washington Township. It was built in 1860 for farmer Loren Andrus using bricks fired on his property. Designed by Andrus's brother-in-law and local carpenter David Stewart, the building has served several functions. The house was converted into a restaurant in 1938 by Paul Weyly. In 1945 the Detroit Board of Education used the house as an agricultural training center. It was later used as a dormitory on the Albert H. Schmidt Foundation Farm for students of the Wayne State University agricultural extension. Purchased in 1986 and undergoing continuing restoration by the Friends of the Octagon House, the building is currently used for educational purposes. Period of Significance 1826-1865 Significant Date(s) 1860 Registry Type(s) 09/03/1971 National Register listed 04/23/1971 State Register listed Site ID# P24096