Learn About Grand Rapids Architect Marion Blood and Other Women Architects at Ottawa Hills Tour on October 5!

Grand Rapids architect and engineer, Marion Frances Blood, had an extraordinary talent that was spotted early by her mentor Architect Kenneth Welch who was Grand Rapids first official City Planner. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1924, Blood won the coveted UM Booth Graduate Prize in Architecture and traveled in Europe for eight months. When she returned to Grand Rapids, she began designing homes for popular architect Alexander McColl, a career that lasted until 1939. By 1942 Marion Blood was working as an Engineering draftswoman, designing defense guns and tools, and much later she was drafting plans for the American Bridge Company including Michigan’s own Mackinac Bridge.

Learn more about Marion Blood and other Grand Rapids women architects working from 1920 through the 1970’s on Saturday, October 5 at 1 pm at the Klise Chapel at East Congregational church. GGRWHC is excited to partner with architectural historian Pamela VanderPloeg for this presentation and walking tour of 1920s women-designed homes in the Ottawa Hills and the adjacent East Grand Rapids neighborhood. Registration is required for this free event. Click here to register today!