Last week we presented a Mid-Century Modern model “Holiday House” designed by William F. Baker, built by Cox & Baker in 1956 – 501 Ballantyne.

This week we continue the story of Cox & Baker as we take a look at Crescent Lane – the quiet street filled with many mid-century modern Cox & Baker homes. Crescent Lane is part of the Hunt Club subdivision off of Cook Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. It is the location of around 26 homes. Cox & Baker designed and built all but two of the properties on Crescent Lane, from the mid 1950’s to the early 1960’s.

The following homes are examples of some of the modern Ranch style properties that were built on the sub division, beginning in 1955. 

Constructed between 1955 and 1959

985 Crescent Lane (original…

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Last week we presented the Regency Moderne style of Hugh T. Keyes and his creation at 60 Renaud, in 1939, for Richard P. Joy. Jr. - a member of the prominent Joy family. 

This week we stay with the modern approach as we present a Mid-Century Modern model 'Holiday House' designed by William F. Baker, built by Cox & Baker in 1956, – welcome to 501 Ballantyne. 

Bill Baker (as he was known by many) was a prolific designer, builder and developer in Grosse Pointe. During his career he designed and/or built over 1000 custom homes throughout the Grosse Pointe communities. He was born in Detroit in 1926, and graduated from Lawrence Tech. He also studied architectural rendering and watercolor painting at Cranbrook. Bill was a Veteran of the U.S. Air…

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Last week we presented the story of the early summer homes built in Grosse Pointe by the prominent industrialists who desired seasonal residences next to the lake in “The Pointe” as it was known 120 years ago. Source: Thomas A. Arbaugh, Tonnancour, Volume II. 

This week we leave the late 19th century and jump forward to 1939, - to the Regency Moderne style of Hugh T. Keyes – welcome to 60 Renaud.

60 Renaud, completed in 1939, was created in Keyes signature Regency Moderne approach. The 4,500ft home is constructed of white brick had a flat roof, ornate detailing, a colonnaded front portico, and delicate iron gates and railings.  The ‘Joy House’ also featured a large central window - an early example of what would become Keyes ‘signature element’…

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Last week we presented the ‘Lake Terrace’ residences of John S. Newberry Sr. and Senator James McMillan. The two men were pivotal in the industrial growth of Detroit and inspiring the residential transformation of Grosse Pointe as an exclusive summer location for wealthy families from Detroit. 

This week we continue the story of the early summer homes built in Grosse Pointe with a review of the prominent industrialists who followed the example of John S. Newberry and James McMillan by having year-round homes on East Jefferson, and seasonal residences next to the lake in “The Pointe” as it was known 120 years ago. Source: Thomas A. Arbaugh, Tonnancour, Volume II.

The majority of these summer dwellings were built towards the end of the 19th…

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