$355,136Average Value$245Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Heritage preservation in Holland’s oldest neighborhood
Following a disastrous fire in 1871, Holland’s initial attempts to rebuild centered around the streets of the future Historic District. As a result, homes here tend to be the oldest and most architecturally diverse in the city. Located just southwest of downtown, this walkable neighborhood has some of Holland’s highest prices for homes not on the lake. The charming curb appeal also makes it a prime spot for tourists during the Tulip Time festival. “We do plant a lot of tulips, but keeping this city beautiful also means an appreciation for heritage preservation,” says Linda Hart, the Holland Area Visitor Bureau’s executive director. “People want to see these old buildings refurbished rather than torn down.”
This brick Georgian is an example of the diverse architecture in the Historic District.
A beautiful Italianate Victorian home is unique in Holland's Historic District.
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Diverse architecture with restrictions on renovations
Most homes in the Historic District were built from 1871 to 1930, featuring preserved examples of Craftsman, American Foursquare and Queen Anne architecture. Bungalows are also common, often with enclosed front porches. Prices typically range from $200,000 to $500,000, but some larger properties can get up to $800,000. Although not all homes are included, a significant portion of this neighborhood is a registered historic district, meaning exterior renovations must adhere to period-accurate restrictions. “Not all of the homes have been restored, but many of them are absolutely amazingly done,” says Tantzi Habsburg, an associate broker with Re/Max Lakeshore who lives in the neighborhood. “We don’t force people to restore their homes, but if they want to make changes, there are standards they must uphold.”
A Queen Anne Victorian sits beside an American Foursquare in the Historic District.
Located near the former Washington School, there are several new homes in the Historic District.
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Tulip blooms and waterside trails
The Historic District is home to one of Holland's most visited green spaces, Centennial Park. The landscaped garden sits on the edge of downtown and blooms with hundreds of flowers during the Tulip Time festival. On the neighborhood’s western edge, Kollen Park is a gateway to Lake Macatawa. Kollen has one of the largest playgrounds in the city and connects to the waterside Heinz Walkway. In the summer, the park’s bandshell is used for live music, and the gently sloping lawn is a popular spot to catch Fourth of July fireworks. The park is also home to Boatwerks, the city’s only waterside restaurant. In addition, residents can simply step outside of their door to take a walk along history-rich streets. “It’s a very active community,” Habsburg says. “I’m looking out my window right now, and I can see several people out walking their dogs.”The neighborhood is also home to the main branch of the Herrick District Library, which underwent renovations in 2024 to add a new children’s section and play space, as well as other updated facilities.
The Centennial Park Dutch fountain is a coral rock structure, located in the Historic District.
The barrel-shaped entrance to the Heinz Water Walkway welcomes all in the Historic District.
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All the attractions of downtown Holland are a short walk away
The northeast side of the neighborhood borders downtown Holland, a walkable district with over 150 restaurants and businesses. Holland’s selection of craft beer can be sampled at spots like New Holland Brewing, and the city’s Dutch roots are celebrated at The Windmill Restaurant. In between eateries, there are record stores, gift shops and clothing boutiques. In the morning, locals can stop by the weekly farmers market and in the evening, the historic Park Theater has a rotating schedule of movies, concerts and open-mic nights. Upcoming development on the north side of the Historic District will extend downtown’s walkable streets directly out to Lake Macatawa. “Hopefully, in the future, you can walk down 8th Street and right out to the water,” Habsburg says. “There’s even talk of a waterfront brewery moving in. It’s a very exciting project.”
The Windmill, located downtown near the Historic District, serves breakfast all day.
The New Holland Brewing Co. is a popular restaurant in downtown near the Historic District.
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An active neighborhood association plans events
Washington School Neighbors, WSN, is a local organization working to encourage community in the Historic District area. In 2018, WSN built a new playground in front of the former Washington Elementary School building. In 2021, they turned an empty green space into a community garden, which has become a go-to spot for casual get-togethers. “We try to have events that encourage people to gather around our garden,” says Beth Canaan, the director of Washington School Neighbors. “We also are getting a group of gardeners together to maintain our pocket park and hoping a grant comes through soon to make it a showstopper.” WSN’s events include Thirsty Thursdays at the Garden, a fall clean-up and an annual block party.
The Washington School Green is a new neighborhood park in the Historic District.
The Washington School Green with condos and new houses on either side, in the Historic District.
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History and community at neighborhood churches
Holland is known as the birthplace of the Christian Reformed Church of North America denomination, and religion still plays a large role in the city’s community. The Historic District has many houses of worship, including the Third Reformed Church, one of the city’s oldest congregations. The Victorian-era church has been carefully restored to preserve the original architecture. The more modern St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church holds sermons in both Spanish and English and supports a neighborhood food pantry. First Methodist United Church serves free breakfast two days a week and offers showers and clothes to unhoused individuals. Over at Hope Church, an LGBT rainbow flag hanging outside indicates that everyone is welcome.
St. Francis de Sales Parish hosts services in English and Spanish in the Historic District.
Hope Church was the first congregation started by Holland's founder in the Historic District.
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A lottery system at the local charter school
As part of Holland Public Schools, students are zoned for West Elementary, which gets a B-plus rating from Niche. Kids can move on to Holland Middle, rated B-minus, and Holland High, rated B-plus. Holland High offers dual enrollment courses with the nearby Hope College, as well as other local universities.
The neighborhood is also home to Vanderbilt Charter Academy, a kindergarten to eighth-grade charter school. The school is tuition-free and often fills its 400 or so slots via a lottery system. Vanderbilt gets an A rating from Niche and is ranked as the 11th-best charter middle school in Michigan.
Vanderbilt Charter Academy is dedicated to serving children in grades K-8.
Holland High School boasts a strong B+ rating on Niche.com.
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Reserve MAX Transit buses in advance
Most homes in the Historic District are less than a mile away from the heart of downtown Holland and Holland Hospital. The closest grocery store is the D&W Fresh Market on the north side of Lake Macatawa, 2 miles away. MAX Transit has several routes that run through the neighborhood, connecting throughout the city. MAX Transit also has a reserve-ahead feature that offers door-to-door service. For bigger city amenities, locals have to take Interstate 196 out to Grand Rapids, 35 miles away. The larger city has the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, western Michigan’s largest airport.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Historic District, Holland sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Historic District, Holland over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Downtown living with style, space, and convenience! Welcome to 50 W 8th Street, Unit 403—a beautifully designed condo in the heart of Downtown Holland. Built in 2018, this spacious unit offers a modern open layout, ideal for entertaining and everyday living.The kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a large center island, and a bar area with mini fridge—perfect for
4-Bedroom Charmer Near Downtown Holland!!This updated 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is just blocks from downtown, an easy and very beautiful walk or bike ride to Tulip Time festivities, Kollen Park concerts, farmers markets, local boutiques, and golden waterfront sunsets. Inside, you'll find an open, warm and welcoming layout with a spacious living area—come check it out!
Some homes just feel different the moment you see them. This is one of those homes—nestled in Holland's treasured Historic District, surrounded by other architecturally significant properties that carry the stories of over a century of community and craftsmanship. Rarely do you find a historic Holland home built of brick that has been beautifully preserved inside and out... this is that rare
The Lofts at West 8th is one of the newest residential opportunity in Downtown Holland!Located at 60 W. 8th Street in the West 8th Development between River and Pine AvenuesEach Apartment has in unit laundry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and has access to our roof deck, community room and exercise room! There is also covered parking available in the 9th Street
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