The oldest surviving building on E. Michigan, the Button Jannasch Building was built in 1869 by Charles Jannasch. Jannasch was a prominant German businessman who was born in Germany and came then to Kalamazoo in 1850. His Button Jannasch Building was done in the popular Italianate style.

The building sat abandoned for years. However, in 2000 a complete restoration began. That restoration is seen here nearing completion.