Real Estate Blog

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The DuCharme Homes on University Place

Last week we concluded our series on the three Lochmoor Clubhouses. Each building had a different story to tell. The first clubhouse was completed between 1917-1918, designed by the esteemed duo of William B. Stratton and his partner at the time Dalton J. Snyder. 

This week we head to University Place, one of the most prestigious streets in the City of Grosse Pointe. It is home to two properties that were both commissioned by businessman Charles Bagley DuCharme, including 365 University which was also designed by William Stratton and Dalton Snyder.

The DuCharme’s were a well-known family in Detroit. Charles Bagley DuCharme was born in Detroit, in 1883. His father, Charles A. DuCharme, was a wealthy Detroit hardware dealer and former president of…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Lochmoor Clubhouse – Part 3

Last week we continued our presentation of Lochmoor Club as we explored clubhouse number 2. On 16 February 1924, Lochmoor Club suffered a catastrophic loss after the clubhouse was destroyed by fire. Two days later the ground was cleared to make way for a new building, designed by Stratton and Snyder. The new building, completed in June 1924, was described as one of the most attractive and commodious in the mid-west. It was razed in 1968.

This week we conclude the series as we present the story of the Lochmoor Club clubhouse number 3, which was recently lost to fire. It opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1969, designed by Daniell Associates. Image courtesy of: lochmoorclub.com

Back in 1917-1918, when the club was first organized, the number of…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Lochmoor Clubhouse – Part 2

Last week we focused on the historic Lochmoor Club as we presented the history of this special place and the story of the original clubhouse - completed between 1917-1918. It was designed by the esteemed duo of William B. Stratton and his partner at the time Dalton J. Snyder.

This week we continue with the history of the Lochmoor Club, as we explore the second clubhouse that once graced the property. Given the recent events that resulted in the current clubhouse being destroyed by fire, this post is particularly pertinent given that Lochmoor came back bigger and better, after the original clubhouse was lost to fire in 1924. Image courtesy of: digital.library.wayne.edu.

The original clubhouse, built in 1917-1918, was described as “one of the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Original Lochmoor Clubhouse

Last week we introduced Burton Brothers Construction. Founded in1922, it is understood the firm originally started as a custom home builder and became a prominent company designing and/or building fine homes in the affluent neighborhoods of Metro Detroit

This week, after the tragic events at the historic Lochmoor Club last week, we wanted to take the opportunity to present the original history of this special place that means so much to so many.

The original Lochmoor Club was completed between 1917-1918. It was designed by the esteemed duo of William B. Stratton and his partner at the time Dalton J. Snyder. It appears Stratton and Snyder worked together from 1915 – 1925, and completed several homes in Grosse Pointe, including 365 University…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Burton Brothers Construction Company

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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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 1024 Buckingham

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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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Work of William F. Goodrich

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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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 70 Moran “Sunnycroft”

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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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 39 Beverly

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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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Engineer Horrace Esselstyn

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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