Nestled in the picturesque western stretches of Ann Arbor, Lakewood stands out as a neighborhood rich in history and community spirit. Where mature oaks bend over winding lanes and the gentle promise of nearby Lakewood Nature Area beckons, this cherished district has woven itself quietly into the city’s heritage. As one strolls along Lakewood’s gently sloping streets or pauses at the corner of Sunnywood Drive and Mershon Drive, it’s easy to sense the decades of stories embedded into the landscape and lives of those who call Lakewood home.
A Neighborhood Springs to Life
Lakewood’s origins trace back to the early 20th century, coinciding with the period when Ann Arbor was beginning to look beyond a downtown core and dream of comfortable suburban enclaves. The area that is now Lakewood, west of Wagner Road and bordered roughly by Jackson Road and Liberty Avenue, was once marsh, woodland, and farmland positioned on the city’s edge. Growth was gradual here, shaped by enterprising residents, innovative developers, and a vision to build a neighborhood where nature and community would intertwine.
How Lakewood Got Its Name
The name “Lakewood” pays homage to two of the area’s most defining features: the tranquil wooded environment and the close proximity to the remnants of a much larger lakebed, a legacy of Michigan’s glacial past. While there isn’t a large lake in the immediate boundaries, the name evokes the gentle swells of the land, shaded streets, and abundant greenery that have always given the neighborhood its park-like feel. The Lakewood Subdivision, as it appeared on early plats, highlighted the area’s many trees and the promise of peaceful residential living — something very much alive today.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1920s-1930s: The first waves of development scatter brick and clapboard homes across the area, with large lots and grassy lawns. Early residents are drawn by affordable land, country charm, and the ease of access along Jackson Road to downtown Ann Arbor.
- 1937: The Lakewood Elementary School is established on Gralake Avenue, becoming a beloved fixture and symbol of community investment in children. The school’s stately, mid-century brick architecture remains an anchor—both physically and emotionally—for generations of families.
- Post-WWII: The postwar boom brings a steady influx of new homes, marked by a blend of Cape Cods, ranches, and split-levels that dominate the suburban dream. Developers expand west and north, laying out the winding lanes and peaceful crescents that define Lakewood’s street grid: Sunnywood Drive, Mershon Drive, and Grandview Drive become the leafy arteries of daily life.
- 1960s-70s: The creation of the Lakewood Nature Area and the expansion of Dolph Nature Area just to the west cement the neighborhood’s reputation as a green haven. Residents advocate for preserving local woodlands and wetlands, ensuring walking trails and wildlife continue to flourish at the urban edge.
- Recent Decades: In the 21st century, the Lakewood neighborhood continues to thrive, balancing the preservation of its mid-century charm with tasteful infill and renovations. Community activities, school events, and annual yard sales signal a spirit of togetherness.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
Lakewood Elementary School:
The brick façade and airy classrooms of Lakewood Elementary, sitting at the corner of Gralake and Sunnywood, have been the heart of the neighborhood since 1937. Generations of children have crossed its playgrounds, contributing to the school's enduring reputation for excellence and belonging. Community gardens and student art add fresh touches to its historic walls.
Lakewood Nature Area:
Tucked behind the school, the Lakewood Nature Area is a quiet woodland preserve filled with native flora and a chorus of birdsong. Footpaths meander through old growth trees, inviting residents for morning jogs, afternoon strolls, or moments of contemplative connection with nature.
Dolph Park and Sister Lakes:
Just beyond the neighborhood’s borders, Dolph Nature Area and the glistening waters of the “Sister Lakes”—First Sister Lake and Second Sister Lake—offer further escape. Fishing, birdwatching, and the simple pleasure of watching sunrises filter through the willows are cherished pastimes here.
The Streets and Structures That Tell Its Story
Lakewood’s layout stands apart from newer subdivisions, with no strict grid but gentle, curving streets that echo the natural contours of the land. Noteworthy roadways include:
- Sunnywood Drive: The heart of the neighborhood, lined by a canopy of mature oaks and maples.
- Mershon Drive: Home to some of the original 1930s and 1940s houses — each with unique architectural details and lovingly tended gardens.
- Grandview Drive: As its name suggests, many homes here offer sweeping views of woodland or glimpses of the Sister Lakes, especially in autumn when colors explode in a riot of red and gold.
A drive or walk through Lakewood offers cheerful views of classic ranch homes, two-story colonials, postwar bungalows, and the occasional modern renovation—a visual timeline of Ann Arbor’s evolving housing styles.
From Past to Present: A Neighborhood Evolves
What makes Lakewood enduringly special is its steadfast sense of community. The neighborhood association, block parties, holiday celebrations, and hands-on stewardship of natural areas keep the connections strong between neighbors and generations. Newcomers are welcomed just as warmly as families whose ties extend back decades. Children still walk and bike to school, and local traditions—like lemonade stands and Halloween parades—thrive.
With ongoing efforts to preserve Lakewood’s woodlands, while also welcoming fresh families and ideas, the neighborhood walks a graceful line between honoring its past and embracing its future.
Why Lakewood Endures
Lakewood is more than a collection of tidy streets and stately trees. It is a neighborhood where history is not only remembered but lived, day by day. The laughter echoing from Lakewood’s parks, the friendships formed at the school gates, and the familiar greetings exchanged on evening walks—these are the true hallmarks of this corner of Ann Arbor.
As the seasons change and years pass, Lakewood continues to stand as a vibrant testament to the best of Ann Arbor: a community rooted in tradition, but always flourishing anew.