Last week we presented three superb homes by the architect Hugh T. Keyes that have sadly been demolished. This week we stay with this multi-talented designer and present four further homes.

These homes still exist today – 379 Lakeland, 174 Touraine, 17845 Jefferson (25 Fisher Rd), and 60 Renaud. What makes these homes particular interesting is the diverse range of their architectural style.

We have discussed, on several occasions, the rich and varied repertoire of this particular architect, but we have yet to explore these four homes in depth, and present Keyes ever-evolving style(s). 

Early on in his career Keyes spent time in Europe, traveling in England, France, Italy and Switzerland gathering inspiration - evident in much of his work…

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So many of the architects we have written about have not only left a lasting impression on the architectural scene in Grosse Pointe, but across many of the communities in Metro Detroit. One such example is Louis Kamper, who we reviewed last week, and his work at 175 Merriweather. This week we continue the theme with three homes by Hugh T. Keyes. 

Hugh T. Keyes was a phenomenal architect; we have featured his work on many occasions. His work centered on creating grand estates for the industrialists of Metropolitan Detroit (clients included Ford, Hudson-Tannahill, Bugas and Mennen) and he is considered to be one of the most versatile architects of the period.

Born in Trenton, MI in 1888, he studied architecture at Harvard University and worked…

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Last week we profiled 21 Colonial Rd, the magnificent former home of nationally recognized architectural sculptor Corrado Parducci. This week we head to Grosse Pointe Farms, and to one of the earliest homes built on Merriweather, number 175. 

Merriweather was originally part of a large cherry orchard. It wasn’t until the late 1920’s that houses first began to appear on the plot of land. 

Number 175 was one of the earlier homes to be constructed. Designed by acclaimed architect Louis Kamper, it was completed in 1929 as a wedding present, from Kamper and Kurt Kling, to the newly married couple of John Robert Sutton, Jr. (Jack), and his wife Paula Kling Sutton (Kamper’s niece, and Kurt Kling’s daughter).

Louis Kamper, could be described as one…

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What makes the architecture in Grosse Pointe so interesting is the sheer diversity of the buildings that are on display. Last week we profiled the Country Club of Detroit, and its fascinating history that began in 1884. This week we jump to 1928, and to a home that was created for nationally recognized architectural sculptor Corrado Parducci. 

Grosse Pointe has been home to many nationally noted artists, designers and sculptors, including William Hawkins Ferry, Alexander Girard and William Kessler - to name but a few. Parducci was one of the most acclaimed sculptors of the early 20th century, and it was here in Grosse Pointe, at 21 Colonial Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, that he selected to reside.

Corrado Parducci was a talented architectural…

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Having recently focused on the gardens created by nationally recognized landscape architect William Pitkin Jr., lets turn our attention to one of the most prominent buildings in Grosse Pointe, the Country Club of Detroit. 

As with so many of the buildings, homes and streets in Grosse Pointe it has an interesting story to tell - featuring four buildings, demolition, fire, relocation, a new name, and clubhouses designed by some of the best architects that Detroit had to offer. 

The story begins in 1884. Grosse Pointe was in need of a social centre for its growing residential community. The organization of the Grosse Pointe Club commissioned architect William E. Brown to design its new clubhouse. The building was located at 12 Lakeshore, set in a…

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Last week we explored several homes on the elegant street of Lothrop, Grosse Pointe Farms. One of the homes we profiled, 99 Lothrop, was designed by Charles A. Platt. Mr. Platt was not only a talented architect, but was also considered to be one of America’s more influential landscape designers. 

Platt designed at least four homes (that we know of) in the Grosse Pointe communities. Despite his natural talents in landscape design Platt was happy to hire leading landscape architects to work alongside him on his project(s). His propensity to hire nationally recognized landscape designers was based on his desire to create a natural synergy between the house and its surroundings, and one designer who was particularly skilled in this area was William…

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Last week we explored the superb lost estate of 15440 Windmill Pointe, the former home to real estate mogul Herbert V. Book, and later Charles Helin, the fishing lure entrepreneur.

This week we head to Grosse Pointe Farms, and to one of the communities most elegant streets – Lothrop. Running from Grosse Pointe Blvd the street meanders through Grosse Pointe Farms, ending at the top of Moran Rd, close to Mack Avenue.

We will be focusing on several homes on the first block, built within a period of 20 years - between 1928 and 1948. Despite being constructed across three different decades each of these homes has a wonderful individual elegance to them.

Lets start with number 99, created by distinguished architect Charles A. Platt. He was a…

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Having recently covered the many lost estates on Lakeshore, this week we turn our attention to Windmill Pointe and to another grand estate that has been lost over time.

Welcome to 15440 Windmill Pointe, designed by Louis Kamper for Herbert V. Book in 1921. This grand French Châteaux was a spectacular residence on the shores of Lake St. Clair located on a lot that was approximately two acres.

The architect, Louis Kamper, could be described as one of the most impactful designers to have ever graced Detroit. His style, influence and work were on par with Albert Kahn, and George D Mason in terms of the architectural legacy that many of his projects have left on the city, and the United States.

Born in Bavaria, Germany in 1861 Kamper emigrated to…

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This week we conclude our exploration of the lost estates of Lakeshore. Over the past few weeks we have reviewed some wonderful homes that have been lost over time, including: 431 Lakeshore, 111 Lakeshore, 415 Lakeshore, The Ford homes by Albert H. Spahr, and 525 Lakeshore.

The final home we would like to review is 123 Lakeshore, known as ‘Drybrook’. Built in 1914 for Truman H. Newberry, this superb home was designed by the noted New York City firm of Trowbridge and Ackerman.

In an edition of Country Life, 1916, 123 Lakeshore was listed No. 8 on Henry Saylor’s ‘Twelve Best Country Houses in America’.

The home was built on the site of the former Newberry home - an expansive lot that was 300 feet wide, and more than a mile in depth -…

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