Last week we presented the history of 1024 Buckingham, a brick built Colonial, completed in 1941 for Miles O’Brien. It was designed by John W. Detwiler and built by the Burton Brothers Construction Company.

A few weeks ago, we began introducing the work of some extremely talented, yet lesser-known designers/builders who worked throughout Metro Detroit during the 1920’s – 1930’s. This week we continue with the series as we introduce more of the homes designed and/or built by the Burton Brothers Construction Company.

The Burton Brothers Construction Company (BBCC) was founded around 1922. It is understood the firm originally began as a custom home builder. As the company grew, so did its reputation, they were hired to design and/or construct fine…

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Last week we explored the work of architect William F. Goodrich who not only designed several fine homes in Grosse Pointe during the first half of the 20th Century but also created plans for an enormous 800 room hotel in Grosse Pointe Shores in 1914.

This week we stop by 1024 Buckingham, a striking Colonial Revival home completed in 1941 for Miles O’Brien. It was designed by John W. Detwiler and built by the Burton Brothers Construction Company.

1024 Buckingham, commissioned by Miles O’Brien, was started in 1937 but not finished until 1941. Given who designed the house and the company that built it, the house was of the upmost quality - most unusual for a home of this age it was built with full insulation (including rock wool in the walls). Over…

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Last week we presented the history of 70 Moran, “Sunnycroft”. This fine estate was designed by William Goodrich in 1916-17, for Cornelia Anderson. The property was partially demolished in 1946 and fully razed in 1957.

This week we delve deeper into the work of William F. Goodrich who created several fine homes in Grosse Pointe during the first half of the twentieth century.

William Goodrich, born on 6 August 1886 in Bay City, was a man of many talents. His career evolved from designing large formal residences in the early part of the 20thcentury, creating innovative homes with ‘artistic lines’, to producing some classic Colonial homes. It is clear he was a man with a deft touch for creating something out of the ordinary.While there is very…

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Last week we stopped by 39 Beverly Road, a lovely English Cottage style residence designed by Carey and Esselstyn for lawyer William H. Wells in 1927.

This week we stay with the theme of English Cottage style residences to present the story of 70 Moran, “Sunnycroft”, designed by William F. Goodrich in 1916-17, for Cornelia Anderson, widow of William K. Anderson (who passed in 1909). The property was partially demolished in 1946 and fully razed in 1957.

As the photo below demonstrates 70 Moran was a stunning residence created in an English Cottage style. This approach was popular in many areas of the United States from 1915 to 1940, not only for large residences, but for smaller homes too. Typical characteristics associated with this approach…

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Last week we presented some of the work of Horrace Esselstyn – this talented and sought-after engineer worked on some incredible projects across Metro Detroit and some stunning homes in Grosse Pointe during the 1920’s. 

This week we head to 39 Beverly Road, a lovely English Cottage style home that Horrace Esselstyn created with his partner of six years, architect Raymond Carey.

In September 1923 it was announced in the Detroit Free Press that Horrace Esselstyn had formed a practice with distinguished architect Raymond Carey. Carey & Esselstyn worked together from 1923 to 1929. Much of their work was in the prestigious neighborhoods of Metro Detroit, including Grosse Pointe, where they designed at least 4 homes

  •        867 Balfour - 1923
  • …

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Last week we presented four homes that were designed and built by the talented duo of Raymond Carey and his partner, Horrace Esselstyn, between 1923 – 1929. Together Carey and Esselstyn created many fine residences along with several key buildings in Detroit.

This week we continue with the work of Horrace Esselstyn as we explore more of his creations and career history – this talented engineer worked on some incredible projects in Grosse Pointe and across Metro Detroit. 

A successful engineer, Horace Hovey Esselstyn was described as an “outspoken” and “colorful figure” who “played a large part in building modern Detroit.” He was born in Detroit on 26 December 1874. A couple of years later the family decided to move back to Syracuse, New York…

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Last week we presented the work of Roland Tempest a lesser-known designer who created at least 3 sublime homes in Grosse Pointe during the 1920’s, including 22 Sunningdale which has had several prominent owners.

This week we turn our attention to four homes that were designed and built by the talented duo of Raymond Carey and his partner, Horrace Esselstyn, between 1923 – 1929. Together Carey and Esselstyn created many fine residences along with several key buildings in Detroit.

Raymond Carey – Architect

Raymond Marwood-Elton Carey was born in Guernsey, Channel Islands (United Kingdom) on 27 August 1883. He was educated in Bath, but by 1901, he had relocated to London where he spent many years working for several prestigious architects. It is…

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Last week we presented the history of two significant men who played a large part in shaping Grosse Pointe into the community we know today - Geroge Lothrop and Theadore Hall. Lothrop built a summer cottage, known as “Summerside” while Hall built a majestic estate named Tonnancour.

A few weeks ago, we began introducing the work of some extremely talented, yet lesser-known designers/builders who worked throughout Metro Detroit during the 1920’s – 1930’s. This week we continue with the series as we introduce three homes Roland Tempest designed in Grosse Pointe during the 1920’s.

Rolland W. Tempest was born on 8 January 1891 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Having grown up in the city he attended the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1915…

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Last week we presented the story of Commander Alexander Grant – a British Naval officer serving on the Great Lakes – who moved to Grosse Pointe around 1774. He became the earliest prominent settler and constructed the area's first large permanent residence – “Grants Castle”.

As part of the post, we mentioned two historical figures, Geroge Lothrop and Theadore Hall. Lothrop built a summer cottage, known as “Summerside” on part of the land owned by Alexander Grant, while Theadore Hall purchased “Grants Castle” around 1875, razed it and set about building his own majestic estate, Tonnancour. So, this week we are going to delve deeper into the lives of these two significant men who played a large part in shaping Grosse Pointe into the community we know…

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Last week we featured a prominent, yet unsung builder in Detroit by the name of Emil Schultz. During a career that spanned four decades Schultz built some fine homes in Grosse Pointe in conjunction with noted architects. This included his own home - 719 Berkshire.

This week we travel back to 1776, a very important time in the history of our nation. This historic milestone is something everyone in the country is proud of. So, what was happening in Grosse Pointe at this time?

According to the Detroit Historical Society, “in 1776, Detroit was a fortified, British-controlled fur-trading outpost. While the Thirteen Colonies declared independence, Detroit remained under British rule and served as a strategic base for British forces and their…

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