Last week we presented the story of 1009 Harvard in Grosse Pointe. The 2,993 sq ft brick French Colonial property was designed by prolific architect Carl R. Habermas and built by noted builder, R. C. Ranke. It was completed in 1940. Despite being built over 80 years ago the house, to date, has only had two owners.

This week we return to the Hill to continue our story of this historic commercial district. Over the past couple of weeks, we have explored the history of the Hill along with The Bronze Door restaurant. Now it’s time to look at where it all began with the Punch and Judy Theater. The theater, located at 17 Kercheval Avenue, opened in January 1930, to much fanfare. The opening not only marked the beginning of the theater, but of the Hill…

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Last week we explored the history of The Bronze Door restaurant on The Hill. The origins of The Bronze Door began in 1933, when Joseph Vansinamee opened a beer garden, known as the Punch and Judy bar, in a small building on the space that is now the location of The Bronze Door. Over the next 88 years the restaurant would embark on an incredible, historic, and fascinating journey.

This week we head to 1009 Harvard in Grosse Pointe. The 2,993 sq ft brick built French Colonial property was designed by prolific architect Carl R. Habermas and built by noted builder, R. C. Ranke. It was completed in 1940. Despite being built over 80 years ago the house, to date, has only had two owners.

It is possible the property was built as a speculative home given…

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Last week we presented the story of the Hill, in Grosse Pointe Farms. Located on Kercheval Avenue running from Muir Road to Fisher Road, the small crest of land includes offices, shops, restaurants, and the main branch of the Grosse Pointe Public Library. For over 90 years, this prestigious three-block commercial center has been home to many elite stores and businesses.

Given that there is so much history associated with some of the businesses on the Hill we thought it would be interesting to share some of the stories associated with these establishments, starting with the historic Bronze Door restaurant and bar.

It appears the origins of The Bronze Door began in the 1930’s. During this era the “uptown” area of the Hill was beginning to expand.…

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Last week we brought you the story of 8 Carmel Lane, designed by Albert Kahn in 1912, for prominent businessman Philip H. McMillan. The property was once set on 14 acres. 

This week we move away from residential properties to bring you the story of one of Grosse Pointes most popular and iconic commercial districts – welcome to the story of the Hill. Image courtesy of: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University (1976).

The Hill, in Grosse Pointe Farms, is located on Kercheval Avenue running from Muir Road to Fisher Road. The small crest of land includes offices, shops, restaurants, and the main branch of the Grosse Pointe Public Library. For over 90 years, this prestigious three-block commercial…

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