Walkerville's First Apartment House

Realizing the need for an apartment house in Walkerville, land developer Charles Chilver (Chilver Road is named for him) erected the Grier Apartments on the corner of Chilver (then known as Victoria Road) and Riverside Drive (Sandwich St.) in 1918.

Considered to be "the most modern and up-to-date structure of its kind in this vicinity", the two-story brick building was erected for $18,000 and housed a doctor's office in addition to 14 apartments containing 5 to 6 large rooms. The interior finish is of Georgia pine on the Chilver side and oak in the apartments facing Riverside. Smith & Walker were the architects of the building.

The Grier apartment has been very well preserved; the apartments are in excellent condition. The craftsmanship is evident in the construction of the building, as evidenced by the entrance door. Now that the Peabody Bridge is gone, drivers and pedestrians are able to get a proper view of the building and the tenants are once again able to enjoy the magnificent skyline and traffic on the Detroit River.

The Rebirth of the Tivoli