The Photo above is from the book “Picturesque Detroit & Environs” published in 1893. It shows what is today Assumption University. This appears to be after phase three of the construction.
A postcard from the early 1900’s. As you can see the building has received another addition to the north. This appears to be phase four.
Here are a set of blueprints dated March 1875, which appear to be for phase two. This wing was added on to an existing building that was located south of this addition.
As you can see this distinctive entrance on a 45 degree angle, is clearly visible in the photos above.
Phase one, that this addition tied into was located behind this wing, and is not visible in either photo above.
The building in the blueprints was located on the south side of the current building, and according to what I understand, was demolished after a partial collapse in the mid 1960’s. If you look at the south wall of the current building you can see a patch and a scar in the brickwork, where this building stood.
It’s hard to make out the name of the architect off the blueprints, it looks like S.M. Sredard. It’s not a name that is familiar to me, or one that shows up on any other architectural works. But at the end of his name, it states, “Arch., Windsor, Ont.”. So he was definitely a local architect.
If anyone knows anything about Assumption College, feel free to comment…