A grand residence built for one of the people who helped give Grand Rapids the nickname "Furniture City" has hit the market for $925,000.

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The 11 bedroom, 7 bathroom historic Heritage Hill mansion was built in 1897 for Albert Stickley, President of Stickley Brothers Furniture Co. Check out photos in the gallery below!

Kate W Houseman, Coldwell Banker
Kate W Houseman, Coldwell Banker
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Sounds like the Stickleys were a furniture family for sure! All five Stickley brothers once worked together at an earlier company also named Stickley Brothers Furniture Co. in upstate New York. However Albert brought the name and his brother John George to Grand Rapids, and founded his own company called Stickley Brothers Furniture Co. in 1891 on Godfrey SW.

Grand Rapids Public Museum
Grand Rapids Public Museum
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Their brothers, Gustav and Leopold opened their own company, United Crafts, in 1899. The family is known for bringing the Arts and Crafts style to the U.S., and Albert in particular for Colonial Revival and Mission style furniture.

Grand Rapids Public Museum
Grand Rapids Public Museum
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So now that we know a bit about his furniture style, what about the style of home that was built for Albert?

According to the listing,

This unique roman brick structure retains much of its charm, including covered porches, 5 original fireplaces, intricately detailed hardware, crown moldings, hardwood floors, large windows and high ceilings.

Now 11 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms is a WHOLE lotta house, and in the 1940s, the home was converted into six "unique and spacious" apartments. What became of Albert and Stickley Brothers Furniture?

Unfortunately, tragedy struck for Albert as he was nearing retirement. According to Arts and Crafts Collector,

After having already suffered through the death of his five-year-old son, Albert, Jr., Stickley watched his 20-year-old daughter Margaret die of pneumonia. Two years later his factory caught fire, trapping one of his employees inside, where he burned to death. Then, in 1924 his wife of 37 years, Jane Worden, suddenly died.

Albert did remarry, but left Grand Rapids and retreated to his sprawling eight-bedroom lodge he had built near his lumber mill on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. But before he had barely begun to enjoy his hard-earned retirement, Albert was stricken with a heart attack and died at age 65.

WOW. That is certainly a lot for one person to go through.

The residence at 60 Prospect Ave. NE has been through a lot too - renovations and multiple owners over the years, it still retains its historic charm.

If you've got the cash, it could serve as an income property, or as the listing suggests, "this stately home could be returned to an incredible single-family residence."

Grand Rapids Furniture Magnate's Historic Mansion on Market for $925K

An 11 bedroom, 7 bathroom historic Heritage Hill mansion built in 1897 for Albert Stickley, President of Stickley Brothers Furniture Co., has hit the market for $925,000. Though it was was converted into 6 apartments in the 1940s, the grand, historic property still has many original features including covered porches, 5 fireplaces, intricately detailed hardware, crown moldings, hardwood floors, large windows, and high ceilings. It's located near the Medical Mile and the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

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