Last week we turned our attention to one of Grosse Pointes modern homes, 270 Grosse Pointe Blvd, designed by Karl H. Greimel. Recently razed, it was a superb example of a mid century residence.

This week we stay on Grosse Pointe Blvd to preview four homes that cross several architectural periods and styles.

Grosse Pointe Blvd is a fascinating road. It is one of the widest streets in all of the Grosse Pointe communities, and home to several of the areas most recognized buildings – Grosse Pointe South, Christ Church, St Paul’s, The Academy, and the Unitarian Church. It is also one of the longest streets, from its starting point at he corner of Moross, Grosse Pointe Farms, it travels 2.6 miles through to Kensington Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park. Along…

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Last week we presented one of the oldest homes in Grosse Pointe, Wardell House, located at 16109 E. Jefferson, Grosse Pointe Park.

This week we turn our attention to one of Grosse Pointes modern homes, 270 Grosse Pointe Blvd, constructed in 1961.The Pointes feature a number of modern buildings which are the work of many artists who lead the way in popularizing modern design, including: Marcel Breuer, Eero and Eliel Saarinen, Alden Dow, Alexander Girard, and William Kessler.

The community has a wonderful blend of the old and the new – the grand mansions built at the beginning of the 20th century, and the handful of mid century modern homes that present us with a glimpse into a unique architectural style.

270 Grosse Pointe Blvd was one such…

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Over the past couple of weeks we have presented the work of Jens Jensen at the Ford Estate, Gaulker Pointe, and also introduced some of the other key designers who contributed to creating this beautiful estate.

This week we would like to present one of the oldest homes in Grosse Pointe, Wardwell House, located at 16109 E. Jefferson, Grosse Pointe Park.

William Buck, a prosperous English farmer, purchased the land in 1845, and built the main part of this house around 1849. During this era the early homes that had been constructed in Grosse Pointe were primarily clapboard farmhouses, constructed from wood. Two of the oldest recorded clapboard farmhouses are – The Cadieux House now located at 533 St Clair Avenue, Grosse Pointe, and the Provençal…

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Last week we presented the work of Jens Jensen at the Ford Estate, Gaulker Pointe. Jensen was quite possibly one of the most famous landscape architects to work in the community, and his time at Ford estate resulted in one of the most beautiful residences in southeastern Michigan. This week we continue the story of Jensen’s work at the property, and introduce some of the other key designers who also contributed.

Much of Jensen’s work at the Ford Estate followed similar patterns he had employed in many of his projects. For example one key component to some of his work was walkways around a central meadow. Jensen also incorporated many wild bird habitats, favoring shrubs and tree species with fruits favored by birds. And he was also a huge advocate…

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