Real Estate Blog

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Kerby Family

Last week we presented the story of the Beaupre family in Grosse Pointe. Eugene Beaupre Sr. moved to Grosse Pointe, he was the head of the Beaupre family and established quite a life for himself and the many family members who were and have had a noted presence in the community.

This week we stick with family history as we explore the Kerby family. As we mentioned last week Grosse Pointe has a rich French heritage that stems from some of the earliest families to inhabit Grosse Pointe, including Vernier, Cadieux, Trombley, Moross, Renaud, Beaufait, Poupard, Beaupre’s, and the Kerby’s. 

It is acknowledged the Kerby family are one of the community’s earliest settlers. John Kerby Sr. was born 1754 in Albany, New York, the son of Thomas Kerby (who…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Beaupre Family

Last week we concluded our two-part series on the work of Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls with some of the fine residences they created in Grosse Pointe between 1909 and 1925.

This week we are going to present the story of the Beaupre Family, one of Grosse Pointe’s most historic families. It is well known Grosse Pointe has a rich French heritage that stems from some of the earliest families to inhabit Grosse Pointe, including Vernier, Cadieux, Trombley, Moross, Renaud, Kerby, Beaufait, Poupard, and the Beaupre’s.

During the period of 1701 through to 1796, three flags were flown over Detroit, firstly France, then Britain, followed by the United States in 1796. Having been occupied primarily by the French, Detroit surrendered to the English around…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls – Part 2

Last week we began a two-part series on the work of Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls (SHG). This esteemed firm created many fine homes in Grosse Pointe over several decades. In part one of the two-part series, we explored three properties they designed between 1909 - 1918 including 35 Fisher, the first telephone exchange for the Home Telephone Co.

This week, in part two, we continue with four more residences, created between 1919 and 1930. All these properties are located on some of the most esteemed streets in Grosse Pointe and were created for noted clientele.

390 Washington – 1919

Designed for Richard Matthew Heames, 390 Washington was created in a Mediterranean style – an approach that was gaining in popularity in Grosse Pointe during this…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls – Part 1

Last week we presented the home and work of Ward A. Detwiler. Mr. Detwiler and his partner John Bryant created some of the most noteworthy factories, stores, and offices in Detroit during the early 20th century. Mr. Detwiler resided at 1009 Three Mile; a house designed by noted architects Crombie & Stanton.

We recently featured the home of John Bryant – 815 Ellair - a stunning Tudor residence designed by the esteemed firm of Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls (SHG) in 1930. It was a just one of many fine homes created by the company over several decades. In part one of a two-part series, we will be presenting some more of the residential projects completed by the company in Grosse Pointe. This week we focus on three of the properties they designed between…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Ward A. Detwiler

Last week we went to 815 Ellair Place, a magnificent English Tudor residence located at the end of the street, overlooking Lake St. Clair. It was designed by the nationally recognized firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls in 1930, for John A. Bryant. Mr. Bryant was co-founder of the Bryant and Detwiler Company, one of Detroit's most admired building firms.

This week we are going to focus on the home and work of Ward Arnold Detwiler. As the partner of John Bryant, their company - Bryant and Detwiler - created some of the most noteworthy factories, stores, and offices in Detroit during the early twentieth century. Mr. Detwiler resided at 1009 Three Mile, a house designed by noted architects Crombie and Stanton in 1925.

1009 Three Mile is a 7,500 sq ft…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 815 Ellair Place

Last week we introduced the Gracie Wallpaper Company. This very special and exclusive interior feature is not your standard wallpaper, but a covering of silk, hand painted by artists. To this day it remains highly sought after and can be found on the walls of some of the most notable homes in the world, including at least two residences in Grosse Pointe.

This week we head to 815 Ellair Place, a magnificent English Tudor residence located at the end of the street, overlooking Lake St. Clair. It was designed by the nationally recognized firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls in 1930, for John A. Bryant. Mr. Bryant was co-founder of the Bryant and Detwiler Company, one of Detroit's most noted building contractor firms. 815 Ellair was built by his own…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Gracie Wallpaper Company

Last week we explored the work of Robert O. Derrick and Branson Gamber. Together they were a united force, while individually they are remembered as two very talented designers. They created several fine homes in Grosse Pointe and numerous landmark buildings in Metro Detroit.

This week we are going to focus on something completely different, a very special and exclusive interior feature that is found today in just a handful of homes in Grosse Pointe – wallcovering, by the Gracie Wallpaper Company.

Since the turn of the twentieth century Grosse Pointe has welcomed not only some of the nations most talented architects but also some of the most skilled landscape and interior designers. The latter have filled the grand estates with some of the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Work of Derrick and Gamber

Last week we reviewed two contemporary creations by Hugh T. Keyes that have been razed. Both properties were located on Lake Shore - 707 Lake Shore was demolished during the 1990’s, and 665 Lake Shore was demolished around 2010.

This week we turn our attention to the work of Derrick and Gamber. We recently introduced some of the projects by the firm in our presentation on the schools in Grosse Pointe. Derrick and Gamber was a partnership of prolific local architect Robert O. Derrick and the highly regarded Branson Van Leer Gamber. It appears the duo began working together in the early 1930’s, receiving commissions to design schools, many stunning residences, and numerous landmark buildings in Metro Detroit.

Robert O. Derrick and Branson Gamber…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Hugh T. Keyes Lost Homes on Lake Shore

Last week we explored one of the Modern style homes in Grosse Pointe that has been razed. 41 Lochmoor was completed in November 1936, by the multi-talented Hugh T. Keyes for Lloyd H. Buhs, secretary-treasurer of the Pfeiffer Brewing Company. It was razed during the 1990’s.

This week we continue the story with two more contemporary creations designed by Keyes that have also been lost. Both properties were located on Lake Shore - 707 Lake Shore was demolished during the 1990’s, and 665 Lake Shore was demolished around 2010.

707 Lake Shore was completed in 1938. Set on a large 176’ x 451’ sq ft lot the home was created in a Modern Colonial architectural style. The large 25’ x 18’ sq ft foyer was marble with a circular stairway that led to a sunken…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 41 Lochmoor

Last week we concluded our presentation on the 30 homes Omer C. Bouschor created in Grosse Pointe. Not only was he a master of the Tudor Revival style but he also designed larger homes with individualistic architectural elements.

This week we explore one of the Modern style homes in Grosse Pointe that has been razed. 41 Lochmoor was completed in November 1936, by the multi-talented Hugh T. Keyes for Lloyd H. Buhs, secretary-treasurer of the Pfeiffer Brewing Company.

41 Lochmoor was one of the superb International style homes created by Hugh T. Keyes during the 1930’s and 1940’s. The 5,000 sq ft Buhs residence has been described as “extremely innovative for its day”, and “an outstanding example of modern architecture.” Source Architectural…

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