From the State of Michigan Historic Sites on-line (
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Narrative Description: The Hecox House is a brick Second Empire dwelling, a side-facing T asymmetrical compound plan; a two story example raised on a full basement. Original metal shingle clading exists on the entire roof, which is a straight steep mansard, intersected by seven gables, one at the front and three on each elongated side. It features an interior chimney. The house sits on a flat 1.58 acre parcel surrounded by industrial development and the county airport, leaving little visual reminder that it was once the centerpiece of a spacious working farm with numerous outbuildings. Despite the surroundings the remaining property is attractively landscaped and heavily treed with large maples, box elders, black walnuts, american elms and a giant cottonwood. A number of the trees and a flowering quince shrub are plantings original to the house. The dwelling itself retains a sense of imposing permanence and importance, and is totally atypical of a Michigan rural residence in size, style, workmanship and feeling.
Statement of Significance: With its seven gables and straight slope mansard roof, the Frank J. Hecox house is a highly unusual example of Second Empire architecture. It is the only known brick Second Empire structure extant in all of Howell Township, including the City of Howell, and therefore a rare example of architectural style for the region. In addition, it retains original interior features such as woodwork, wainscoting, staircases, kitchen, built-in cupboards and a faux marble cast iron corner fireplace in the parlor that make the house an excellent example of the period. The exterior south, east and west facades are unchanged in original appearance (although both porches are reconstructions). Exterior doors, windows, and metal shingle cladding over the entire roof are original components.