This home was built in 1858 for Dr. Ebenezer Wells. Dr. Wells was an extraordinary overachiever. In addition to being a physician he was the mayor of Ann Arbor from 1863-1864 and president of the First National Bank until his death in 1882. In 1890 the house was sold to James L. Babcock for $10,000. Babcock left the home to his nephew, also named James. The nephew spent much energy and money to refurnish the interior of the home. He imported extravagant leather wall coverings, elegant mirrors, and marble from Europe. In 1910 a third story was added to the home and it was converted into a multifamily residence.