Our History
James Shearer (1823-1896) along with the help of his brother, George Shearer (former Mayor of Bay City) completed the last of his three 'business block projects' at 315 Center Avenue in 1884 and called it the "Shearer Brothers Block". The two then opened a real estate office in the building at 809 Adams Street and were among the largest realty owners in the city.
The first to lease office space in the new Shearer Bros. building was Robert Black according his 1944 obituary published in The Bay City Times. Mr. Black owned the Black Lumber Company and resided at 319 North Van Buren street.
Over the years the Shearer Bros. building has housed banks, real estate companies, attorney offices, a photography studio, a dance studio, clothing shops, a design studio, and even a dental office.
Renovation work began in 2003 on the building to restore it to near original conditions, except the upper levels which historically have been used for office rentals and are now turned into condominiums. The street level continues to serve small business owners and members of the Shearer Block Condominium Association.
The results are a revitalized residential and business structure assuring this landmark of James Shearer will have a bright future for many decades. The change recognizes the growing trend of people "wanting" to live in the downtown area where they are within walking distance of cultural activities, parks, shopping and fine restaurants.
