Last week we began a two-part series on the Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, located at 16 Lake Shore Drive. The origins of Grosse Pointe Memorial Church date back to 1865. Like other churches in the area Grosse Pointe Memorial Church has undergone many iterations from where it began to the church it is today. In total the church has had three buildings, been located on two sites, and has changed its name several times.

This week we continue our presentation as we take a more in depth look at the design of the church, including the work of the other designers who were involved with the project. 

In 1923, renowned church architect William E. N. Hunter was hired to design the new Grosse Pointe Memorial Church and four additional buildings.…

285 Views, 0 Comments

Kay Agney is a business owner, supporter of local non-profit organizations, and a well-known and respected figure in the community. Kay is also one of the most successful real estate brokers in Grosse Pointe. So much so, for eight out of the past ten years Kay has been named as one of Hour Detroit Magazines Real Estate All Stars, continually listing her among the top 5% in her profession.

On her way to becoming one of Grosse Pointe’s Real Estate All Stars Kay has been on quite a journey. It all began on a warm summers’ night during the late 1960’s when Kay and a group of friends were driving along Lake Shore. As she marveled at the twinkling lights next to the lake Kay remembered thinking to herself that she had never seen so many schools and…

449 Views, 0 Comments

Last week we explored one of Grosse Pointes most historic homes, the Carl and Alice Schmidt house located at 301 Lakeshore. Built in 1904, it is one of the oldest surviving year-round homes constructed in Grosse Pointe during the early 1900’s.

This week we begin a two-part series on the Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, located at 16 Lake Shore Drive. With its origins dating back to 1865, Grosse Pointe Memorial Church is a wonderful example of how Grosse Pointe has changed, evolved, and grown. The community has many wonderful churches, each one is exceptional, designed by a prestigious architect, they are steeped in history, and are an integral part of the community. Like other churches in the area, Grosse Pointe Memorial Church has undergone many…

421 Views, 0 Comments

Last week we delved deeper into the career of George Valentine Pottle. George Pottle was associated, amongst other things, with creating industrial buildings, movie theaters, and fine residences throughout Metro Detroit. It is possible he designed only two homes in Grosse Pointe, 910 Edgemont Park (completed in 1925 and demolished in April 1995), and 812 Whittier, completed in 1927.

This week we head to one of Grosse Pointes most historic homes, the Carl and Alice Schmidt house located at 301 Lakeshore. Built in 1904, it is one of the oldest surviving homes constructed in Grosse Pointe during the early 1900’s. It is not clear who the architect was.

Carl Ernest Schmidt, a German American born in Detroit in 1856, was a principal figure in the Detroit…

706 Views, 0 Comments

Last week we presented the history of one of Grosse Pointe’s most iconic homes -16632 E. Jefferson. Located on the shores of Lake St. Clair, it was commissioned in 1926, by Detroit Industrialist Edgar Woodbury Bowen. It was designed by the esteemed architect Wallace Frost.

This week we delve deeper into the career of George Valentine Pottle. We recently mentioned Mr. Pottle as the possible architect of one of Grosse Pointe’s lost estates – 910 Edgemont Park – a once beautiful Italian Renaissance Revival style home completed in 1925, allegedly for Walter & Edith Scotten. Our files list the architect as George V. Pottle; however, this has not been verified by blueprints. George Pottle was associated, amongst other things, with creating industrial…

629 Views, 0 Comments