13340 Kercheval Street
Peoples State Bank, Poodle Shop, Dr. Hamilton’s Small Animal Hospital
At this point, I’ve lost track of how many identical bank buildings I’ve documented like this one. Although the structure might get boring to photograph over and over, every building has a unique story after it ceased operations as a Peoples State Bank.
This branch was built between 1919 and 1920. According to an article in the Detroit Free Press, the “exterior surface of the walls is to be a combination of light enamel brick and light enamel matte terra cotta. The banking room will be equipped with a counter screen of marble and bronze.” All of these structures were based on a design by Donaldson & Meier.
By the 1940s, the Peoples State Bank was no more. I’m not sure what happened to this branch after that, but by 1978, it had become a poodle shop and dog groomer. That year, a gunman and an accomplice barged into the shop, stole $65 from Leroy Harvey, an employee, and stole a still-wet poodle that was being groomed named Mimi and three Bouvier puppies. The pet shop offered $50 for the return of Mimi. I’m unsure whether the dog was found.
A rusted-out old sign on the east side of the structure reads Dr. Hamilton’s Small Animal Hospital. I haven’t found any trace of this business online; however, it may have been associated with the poodle shop.
In May & June of 2011, the structure was for sale. It was listed as 2,000 square feet with a newer roof, 20-foot ceilings, a dry basement, and a new furnace. The asking price was $32,500, or best offer, cash only. Although that was over a decade ago, it’s hard to imagine such a commercial building selling for that price in 2023.
Since I first took notice, there hasn’t been much change at 13340 Kercheval Street. The van parked in the parking lot has been there for at least a half-decade, and the structure appears well-maintained.
Hopefully, the current owner will continue to look after it.
