112 E. Grand River Ave. – The Commiskey Building Test

The Commiskey Building, located at 112 E. Grand River Ave. in downtown Howell, was constructed in 1889 and has served as a long-standing commercial storefront in the heart of downtown. Its history is tied to one of Howell’s major fire stories: the Howell Carnegie District Library Archives note that this block had already burned in 1887, and another major fire was documented on the block east of East Street, now Michigan Avenue, and north of Grand River on October 5, 1892. That 1892 fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage and resulted in the deaths of Frank Hickey and Ed Wines. 

Over the years, the building has housed a wide variety of businesses, including shoe retail, foot care, travel services, a café/deli, and its current longtime tenant, Dairy Queen.

Timeline of Businesses – Courtesy of Claire Lyczkowski, Local Historian & Archivist 

Facade Notes

The Commiskey Building has one of downtown Howell’s more recognizable historic commercial facades. The upper facade features ornate brickwork, tall second-story windows, decorative vertical elements, and a detailed cornice/parapet that reflects the character of late-19th-century downtown commercial architecture. The street-level storefront has changed over time to support modern business use, but the restored upper facade helps preserve the building’s historic presence along Grand River.

The facade was restored by The McFate Group, Inc., which described the project as a historic facade renovation of the 1889 Commiskey Building. The work later received recognition, including an Honor Award in Historic Preservation from AIA Huron Valley and an Exterior Rehabilitation Award at the Howell Main Street Applause Awards. 

Photos linked below to be included on page with following credit listed: Courtesy of Claire Lyczkowski, Local Historian & Archivist