WHITE HOUSE

The White House

Program: Offices/ Park Programs

Designed: Unknown (1850)

The White House is the oldest standing structure on Belle isle but one of the least publicly engaged. The house was originally constructed as a summer residence for the family running the

Style: Gothic Revival

Accessibility: Closed to Public

Managed:

DNR

Home to Many

The structure has changed programs numerous times over the years from its original house. It has been a saloon /restaurant and the “Dairy Refreshment House”. It also held offices for the Detroit Garden Center, followed by use the Michigan Horticultural Society.

Today the DNR has offices inside the white house and plans are currently in motion to either fully renovate the building or move operation offices out of the structure entirely. This may lead to a future for the house as a historic museum for the island.