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    Barnes House

    O.M. Barnes mansion, ca. 1890

    Orlando Mack Barnes, a noted resident of Lansing in the late 19th century, held titles in banking, industry, railroading, and politics. His mansion, built on 4 acres fronted by Main Street and bordered by Washington Avenue, was one of the finest examples Victorian architecture in the Midwest.

     

    The 17,357 square-foot "castle" had 26 rooms, 11 halls and landings, 6 stairways and 9 fireplaces. The total cost of construction in 1878 was $40,000-$25,000 more than the original estimate.

     

    When O. M. Barnes died in 1899, his widow could not maintain the home and the building stood vacant until a proposal to use it as the Governor's mansion was considered but rejected in 1948. The $200,000 price tag for renovation was considered too high.

    O.M. Barnes mansion, ca. 1890.
    Mansion, c 1890 O.M. Barnes mansion, ca. 1895.
    Mansion, c 1895 Architectural detail of primary mantle
    Architectural Detail of the House's Primary Mantle
    Drawing of the west elevation.
    Drawing of the West Elevation
    Looking south towards REO factory from Barnes mansion roof.
    Looking South Towards the REO Factory from the Barnes' Mansion Roof View of Barnes mansion from Main Street during demolition.
    View of the Mansion from Main Street During Demolition

     


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