Nestled along the gentle curves of the Huron River just northwest of Ann Arbor, Barton Hills Village stands as a hidden gem with a heritage as rich as its lush woodland surroundings. For newcomers and long-time residents alike, the story of Barton Hills is not just about houses and streets—it’s about visionaries, natural beauty, and a community that has cherished its tranquil character for over a century.
Origins of Barton Hills: A Vision Takes Root
The roots of Barton Hills dig deep into the early 20th century, tracing back to the ambitions of the Detroit Edison Company. In 1913, Detroit Edison, under the guidance of visionary leader Alex Dow, acquired extensive property along the Huron River to supply hydropower to the growing city of Ann Arbor. But as work advanced on what would become Barton Dam, the company saw further opportunity beyond energy.
Seeking to create a picturesque residential community for its executives and employees, Detroit Edison began developing the area surrounding Barton Pond. They enlisted renowned landscape architects, including the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., son of the designer of New York’s Central Park, to ensure the natural contours of the land were preserved and enhanced. The result was a neighborhood whose meandering roads—like Barton Shore Drive, Colliston Road, and Spring Valley Road—followed the land instead of imposing upon it, celebrating the woods and waterways.
How Barton Hills Got Its Name
The village’s name is a nod both to its gentle slopes and its proximity to Barton Dam and Barton Pond. This area along the Huron had long been defined by these features, with “Barton” itself referencing the early 19th-century Barton family, local mill owners. Over the decades, the “Hills” have become synonymous with leafy tranquility and quiet affluence.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1913–1915: Construction of Barton Dam, which not only powered Ann Arbor but also created Barton Pond—a spectacular focal point for the emerging neighborhood.
- 1920s: The first homes were built along Barton Shore Drive, with strict architectural guidelines ensuring harmony with the environment. Many of these original homes still stand, lovingly maintained as testaments to early 20th century design.
- 1940s: After the Great Depression and WWII slowed development, the neighborhood gradually expanded, offering more lots while keeping density low.
- 1973: Barton Hills officially became a Home Rule Village, giving residents greater autonomy to preserve the unique character of their community.
- 21st Century: Barton Hills continues to evolve, blending historic homes with thoughtful new builds, all while prioritizing conservation and community values.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
- Barton Dam and Barton Pond: These remain at the heart of the community. The dam still generates electricity, and the pond is a beloved spot for paddling, fishing, and quiet contemplation.
- The Barton Hills Country Club: Opening in 1919, the Country Club has long been a centerpiece of neighborhood social life. Its stately clubhouse, perched above rolling fairways and mature forests, is a local landmark and gathering space.
- Olmsted-Designed Avenues: The neighborhood’s roads themselves—winding, lined with old-growth trees—are considered a landmark thanks to their pedigree. Driving or walking down Colliston Road or Barton North Drive reveals the grace of Olmsted Jr.’s landscape vision.
Parks, Nature, and Community Spirit
Nature isn’t just a backdrop in Barton Hills—it’s at the heart of village identity. The wooded hills, wildflower meadows, and lakeshore habitats are protected by community covenants and a shared sense of stewardship among residents.
- Village Parks: Small communal parks and green spaces are scattered throughout Barton Hills, offering quiet spots for picnics, dog walks, or catching a spectacular sunset over Barton Pond.
- Barton Nature Area: Adjacent to the village, this City of Ann Arbor park features walking trails, river access, and rich birdlife—a favorite for nature lovers and families alike.
Evolution Over the Decades
Barton Hills has always prized its low density and natural setting, resisting trends toward subdivision and overdevelopment. Lot sizes remain generous, roads remain narrow and rural in character, and home designs—even when modern—respect the forested landscape.
Community traditions help maintain the village’s warmth and camaraderie. Seasonal events at the Barton Hills Country Club, informal gatherings at the parks, and village meetings at the historic municipal office are all ways that residents—from long-time families on Underdown Road to new arrivals on Chandler Road—forge connections and shape the future together.
What Makes Barton Hills Village Special Today
Ask any resident what makes Barton Hills special, and you’ll hear the same refrain: it’s a retreat that feels worlds away from city bustle, yet is only minutes from central Ann Arbor and University of Michigan’s vibrant campus. Here, on foggy mornings, you can watch deer wander across lawns near Spring Valley Road, or kayak the length of Barton Pond just as the sun breaks through the trees.
But perhaps what truly sets Barton Hills apart is its commitment—to preserving its heritage, husbanding its natural beauty, and fostering a strong, welcoming community. Amid the tranquil spaces and historic homes, there’s a story unfolding, one that will surely carry on for generations to come.