The Howard F. and Helen S. Smith House is a 2.5-story colonial revival house with a side-gable roof with segmental arch dormers, a symmetrical front façade with central oriel windows above the entry, 6/1 double-hung sash windows, and single-story wings on each side. A graceful stairway anchors the entry hall and leads to the home's 6 bedrooms. Howard, who grew up at 1112 Center, was vice president of the National Cycle & Mfg. Co., started by his father, Henry B., in 1892. According to The Bay County Story, from Footpaths to Freeways, National Cycle's international sales put Bay City "on the map." National Cycle's factory was sold to the Chevrolet Motor Co. in 1916, after which Howard served as an officer in various companies, including American Textiles Inc. and World's Star Knitting Co.