The Marble Works building at 1 N. Main Street, Three Rivers, Michigan is one of downtown’s oldest surviving commercial landmarks. Built in the late 19th century, it originally housed J. H. Huylar & Son – Marble Works, a family-owned business specializing in marble, stone cutting, and monuments.
The company was founded by Jason Horton Huylar (1825–1889), who came to Three Rivers during a period of rapid growth and prosperity. He established himself as a skilled marble worker and craftsman, providing headstones, monuments, and architectural stonework to the community. His son, Allen Horton Huylar (born 1852), joined him in the business, and together they became known locally as trusted artisans whose work could be found in cemeteries, churches, and public buildings throughout St. Joseph County.
The Huylars were also known for leaving their mark on their work — quite literally. They often signed their names on the buildings and grave markers they created, a practice that made their craftsmanship both recognizable and deeply personal. We hope to feature an image of their signature as part of the building’s story, to keep their artistry connected to the space.
For decades, the Huylar Marble Works served as both a workshop and a storefront on Main Street, representing the craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit that fueled the town’s early development. While the Huylars eventually passed on and the business closed, the building itself remained a fixture in the heart of Three Rivers.
Today, traces of the original Marble Works heritage remain—most notably the faded “Marble Works” sign still visible on the building’s brick façade. As Marble Works Kitchen restores and revitalizes the space, we are committed to returning this building to its former glory and honoring the Huylar family’s legacy of artistry, craftsmanship, and community service. In doing so, we hope to ensure their name continues to hold a place of respect in Three Rivers for generations to come.
