Historic Detroit

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Sebastian S. Kresge Mansion

The white Mediterranean Revival home was designed by the Cleveland, OH based firm of Meade & Hamilton for Sebastian Spering Kresge (S.S. Kresge).

With over 20,000 square feet, this mansion ranks among Detroit's largest residences. Located on what is thought to be the city's most extensive residential lot, it sprawls across almost four acres of land right off Woodward Avenue.

Two carriage houses are in back, each with a two-bedroom apartment.

Sebastian Spering Kresge started working in dime stores with J.G. McCrory, who owned a chain of them. They opened stores in Detroit and Memphis. Kresge later sold his part of the Memphis store to start his own store, the S.S. Kresge store on Woodward Avenue, between Grand River Avenue and State Street.

The company's name was changed from S.S. Kresge Company to Kmart Corporation in 1976. This decision was prompted by the fact that, by that time, sales at Kmart stores constituted 94.5 percent of the S.S. Kresge Company's domestic sales.

Last updated 28/03/2024