The Club is located between the intersections
of Hill and Austin/Devonshire Streets.
There is a parking lot on the grounds.

The three story portion of The Ann Arbor City Club was built in 1886 as a farmhouse with wrap-around porch by Evart Scott who in 1868 had come from Ohio to study at the University of Michigan. He stayed in the area, and developed the farmland from Ferdon to Austin into the "Elm Fruit Farm." In 1915 Scott sold most of the farmland to Charles Spooner who hired architect Fiske Kimball to subdivide the land and design and build homes, many of which are still a vibrant part of this area. Two years later, Scott sold the big farmhouse to Dr. and Mrs. R. Bishop Canfield. A nationally known ear, nose and throat physician, Dr. Canfield hired architect Lewis J. Boyton who completely revamped the house into the Dutch Colonial Style to fit in with the large prestigious homes nearby. The Canfields raised their adopted daughter here. Mrs. Canfield lived here until her death in 1951.

About this time a small group of women had conceived the idea of a women's club for Ann Arbor. Their concept began to be realized with their 1951 purchase of the historic house for $45,000. Thus, the Ann Arbor Women's City Club became a reality. In the early 1960's more space was needed and rather than move to another location, the decision was to add onto the house. It was in 1962 that Ralph Hammett, architect and professor at the University of Michigan, was consulted to design the new addition. The addition to the left of the historic house included a dining room, kitchen, an auditorium, office, main lobby and a member lounge, and an exterior design that was complementary to the lines of the original house.

The 1961 addition served the needs of the club well for 40 plus years. In 2008, to meet the current needs of the club, a renovation of the 1962 addition was essential. After much planning, money raising, and deleting "Women's" from the name in January of 2008, the Club contracted with Integrated Architecture to do the design, Phoenix Contractors to be general contractor and general manager of the renovation, and Jane Hughes of Organizational Designs to design the interiors. Phase I of our 2008 renovation enlarged the auditorium into a ballroom, and expanded the main lobby to include a larger sitting area, an elevator and two restrooms. These renovated spaces now meet out need to accommodate both large and small gatherings for members, member clubs and the public.

Our next endeavor, Phase IA, is to update the 1st floor spaces in the original house. This summer Club members will realize this with paint, some furniture and much personal elbow grease.

The Ann Arbor City Club is dedicated to enriching the lives of its members, member clubs and the community at large by providing social, educational, cultural, service, and charitable opportunities in a unique facility.

This stately renovated City Club is a great place where women, men or couples can gathers for all kinds of social, educational, and just-for-fun activities. Opportunities for Club members are many. There are classes to learn more about your computer, digital photography, art history, financial planning or cooking. You can go on a day trip to museums or a baseball game, or be responsible for a club flower garden, learn to paint in oils or water colors, play bridge, exercise, join a committee, be on the board, enjoy a lecture and more. You can come to our beautiful dining room or the patio in the summer for lunch or for dinner, and know that friends will be there to join you.

The City Club, beautiful inside and out, encourages other groups to join as a Member Club which can hold their monthly meetings and dine at the Club. It is a great place to hold a meeting, have a meal and meet new people. Individuals can also make use of the Club. Need a place for a special occasion in a beautiful setting, why not the City Club? Contact the wonderful staff at (734) 662-3279 if you have any questions or would like a tour.

Links to other stops on the Home Tour
Ann Arbor City Club | Chi Omega House | Three "Old Style" Condominiums
Millman Home | Kiefaber Home| Cambridge Estates Townhomes