The David Lilienfeld House

It was Spring of 1859, and 23 year old German immigrant David Lilienfeld arrived in Kalamazoo to start a new life in one of the nations “Great Midwestern Cities”. Upon his arrival, Lilienfeld began working for Mannis Israel; one of the first Jewish residents of the city. Israel owned “M Israel”, a dry good store at the intersection of W. Main St & Burdick Street where the restaurant “Burdick’s” now sits.

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Lilienfeld worked & lived at the dry-good store for a time before starting a Cigar Factory & Shop with his brother, called “D. Lilienfeld & Bro” just a few doors down. The store also sold liquors and imported beer. Within a short amount of time the business took flight, making David known among the successful & prominent business owners of Kalamazoo.​

 

In 1865 David married his wife Amelia, and they purchased a modest home that sat on South Street. They lived there for some time until they had

the home moved to make way for the home of their dreams.

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1878 came, and construction began on this fabulous Victorian residence.

It would be designed to incorporate both the earlier Italianate style

with its hooded windows and decorate bracket work, as well as the new and popular

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Queen Anne; showcasing its a-symmetry, ornamentation & multiple verandas. David & Amelia raised 2 children, Hattie & Edward, and continued to live in their fashionable home for the next several years.

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D. Lilienfeld & Bros continued to thrive. It had produced over 15 million cigars since it opened in 1861, and even had an unexpected guest visit in 1878, President Ulysses S. Grant. The Kalamazoo Telegraph Read: “Gen. Grant arrived in town last evening, and took up headquarters at D. Lilienfeld and Bros Cigar store on Main St. He was given a seat in the show window, where he sat all unmindful of the great crowd that gathered about...while he quietly smoked his cigar”. David & Amelia eventually moved to Chicago in Fall of 1892 to expand the growing business, and after 7 years David passed away in January of 1899. His remains were brought back to Kalamazoo, and he was buried at Mountain Home Cemetery.

 

Not a lot is known about the time period between 1900-1930, but it appears that the house was in good hands and well maintained. In 1932, the home was purchased and owned by John Donovan, who had the home as his primary residence as well as a Funeral Home. It is believed that during this time, a few changes occurred to the house. Older pictures of the home show that a large brick tower was originally situated above the front porch roof, which is said to have come down during this time.​

 

Over the next several decades, the home was purchased and rescued from sure demolition to make way for a parking lot. The home was lovingly cared for, restored, and eventually converted in a Bed & Breakfast, which it has been since 1986.

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447 South Street best exemplies guilded age architecture. Its exterior features an array of intricately patterned woodwork, prominent masonry window & door surrounds, a concealed gutter system and multiple porches with delicate ornamentation.

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The foyer greets you with its 13 foot tall ceiling, heavy door moldings, lincrusta textured wall coverings and intricate plaster crown moldings. Its parlor and sitting room also feature marble fireplaces and the breathtaking original crystal chandelier that was converted for electric use.

 

Today the home serves as Kalamazoo House Bed and Breakfast, where guests enjoy access to 10 rooms - each with a private bathroom. 21st Century comfort meets Victorian opulence as visitors enjoy a gourmet 2-course breakfast, all within walking distance of Historic Downtown Kalamazoo.