Ashby Row

The Ashby Row neighborhood is the smallest sub-neighborhood in Midtown, spanning east to west from the 300 block of Grand Ave NE to the back lots of Union Ave (abutting Heritage Hill) and from north to south between the 600 block of Lyon St NE and Michigan St.

Ashby Row contains an eclectic mix of modest housing from the mid-to-late 1800s to the 1930s, with styles including late Victorian, Foursquares, and bungalows, including some kit homes.

This neighborhood takes its name from a former resident, the late Jack Ashby, and his family, who resided in their home for three generations. After Jack Ashby was stricken with polio, the Ashby family founded the now-defunct Grand Rapids Handicap Club and were very active in the local community.

Ashby Row still boasts at least one third-generation homeowner.  Its residents are proud of the diversity in their neighborhood. Says one resident, “It’s the best place on earth.”