414 Maple St, Big Rapids, MI 49307

The Historic Comstock House is a rare Eastlake-style Victorian home constructed in 1896. The house was built by D.F. Comstock, a banker, businessman, and visionary. Uniquely built from red brick, this home stands out among Eastlake designs, which were typically wood-framed. The interior features an extraordinary variety of fine woods, including oak and mahogany. The soaring ceilings measure 12 feet on the main floor and 10 feet upstairs. Five stained glass windows immerse the rooms in colorful light. The woodwork is truly magnificent, from lavish picture rail, beautiful pocket doors and the grand staircase details. Solid plank walls on 12 inch centers were revealed during renovations in 2006. Some of the original hardwood floors were uncovered and brought back to life. There are 4 fireplaces. Years of paint were meticulously stripped from wood trim and wainscoting to reveal solid hardwoods. Period-appropriate crown molding was either restored or custom-milled to match original profiles, and missing or damaged architectural elements like spindlework, brackets, and trim were recreated using traditional joinery techniques. The Comstock House remained D.F Comstock's private residence until 1966, when it was sold and turned into a fraternity house, for the next 38 years. In 2006, it was restored. The bike score is 82, Very Bikeable and the walk score is 0, Somewhat Walkable.