Real Estate Blog - April, 2020

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Lost Estate – 81 Lake Shore

Last week we brought you the story of the Stonehurst Estate, the old and the new - the original home that was located on the property, and the new residences that have subsequently taken its place. 

This week we stay with the theme of lost mansions and head to 81 Lake Shore – a grand Italian inspired residence completed in 1904, by Albert Kahn for Albert L. Stephens. 

Albert L. Stevens was born in Romeo, Michigan in 1857. His father Henry was a prominent lumber baron. After his father passed in 1884, Albert and his brother Henry Jr. continued to manage the business together until 1895. Albert then turned his attention to the management of several corporations in which he was a stockholder – including the Wabash Portland Cement Company of Stroh,…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Stonehurst Estate - The Old and The New

Last week we went to one of the more prominent streets in Grosse Pointe City to explore 333 Washington. Completed, in 1913, it was designed by Rogers & Bonnah for William B. Colburn. 

This week we are going to bring you the story of the Stonehurst Estate, the old and the new - the original home that was located on the property, and the new residences that have subsequently taken its place. 

The Old

The history of 500 Lake Shore dates back to 1917 when renowned Pittsburgh architects Francis McClure and Albert H. Spahr completed the early English Renaissance “castle” for Joseph Schlotman and his new wife Stella Ford. Supposedly the imposing stone mansion cost an estimated $2m to build (around $51m today). The 40-room house, situated on a…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 333 Washington Road

Last week we presented 78 Kenwood Road – arguably one of the finest examples of an English Cotswold inspired home in Grosse Pointe Farms. Hugh T. Keyes completed it for Edward Macauley, in 1928.

This week we head to one of the more prominent streets in Grosse Pointe City to explore 333 Washington. Completed, in 1913, it was designed by Rogers & Bonnah for William B. Colburn. 

As with many homes built in the early 20th century 333 Washington does not have an instantly identifiable architectural style. One could argue it is based on an English Cottage approach with several typical characteristics - an asymmetric configuration, a steeply pitched roof, large flat chimneys, arrangements’ of tall narrow windows, multiple smaller windows (in bands),…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 78 Kenwood

Last week explored one of Minoru Yamasaki’s residential projects in greater depth – 664 Shoreham Road, Grosse Pointe Woods.

This week we head to 78 Kenwood Road – arguably one of the finest examples of an English Cotswold inspired home in Grosse Pointe Farms. Hugh T. Keyes completed it for Edward Macauley, in 1928. 

Edward Macauley was the son of Alvan Macauley, president of Packard Motor Car Co. and president of the Automobile Manufacturers Association. Alvan Macauley was also responsible for many outstanding achievements such as the first diesel engine to lift a plane from the ground, piloted by Charles A. Lindbergh. Source: history-computer.com/. Alvan Macauley had three children, Alvan Macauley Jr. (1896-1982), Edward (1902-1957) and…

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