Real Estate Blog - July, 2023

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Architect Norval Wardrop

Last week we explored an historic home with a bit of a mystery. 1004 Audubon in Grosse Pointe Park was completed in 1918, for Detroit Judge P. J. M. Hally. The original address of the property was 16213 E. Jefferson; however, the home underwent a change of address when part of the lot was sold in 1962. As for the mystery, well, that would be who designed it.

This week we would like to introduce you to the architect Norval Wardrop, a respected architect in Detroit at the beginning of the 20th Century. Aside from creating fine homes for prestigious clients, Wardrop, throughout his career, was also associated with designing commercial buildings such as factories and was heavily involved with making improvements/additions to churches, schools,…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 1004 Audubon

Last week we stopped by 900 Sunningdale. This 1930’s “modern family home”, completed in 1937, was a Detroit Free Press Home-of-the Week in March 1938. It was designed and built by F. F. Hannan, Inc.

This week we look at an historic home with a bit of a mystery. 1004 Audubon in Grosse Pointe Park was completed in 1918, for Detroit judge P. J. M. Hally. The original address of the property was 16213 E. Jefferson; however, it appears the home underwent a change of address when part of the lot was sold in 1962. As for the mystery, well, that would be who designed it. 

1004 Audubon is a classically designed brick built Georgian Colonial residence, originally located on 1.05 acres. The exterior of this symmetrical brick-built home features multiple…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 900 Sunningdale

Last week we explored 242 Lewiston, a unique residence that is situated on a significant slope and designed accordingly to fit into its surroundings. The French Country style home was completed in 1929, for Realtor George McMahon, having been designed by the multi-talented Wallace Frost.

This week we visit 900 Sunningdale. This 1930’s “modern family home” was a Detroit Free Press Home-of-the Week in March 1938. We first introduced you to the Homes of the Week towards the end of last year when we profiled 285 Mt Vernon, 223 Merriweather Rd (now 305 Merriweather) and its next-door neighbor 225 Merriweather Rd (now 307 Merriweather). You can read the full stories by clicking here and here.

The Home-of-the Week recipients appear to vary considerably…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 242 Lewiston

Last week we concluded our exploration of Woodland Place with a visit to number 6. Completed in 1925, this 4,876 sq ft home was created in an English architectural approach. The house was commissioned by Harry Seymour Finkenstadt and was designed by Robert O. Derrick - his second project on the street. 

This week we return to the work of prolific architect Wallace Frost with a more in-depth review of 242 Lewiston, created for George P. McMahon. We recently presented the history of Mr. Frost’s career, during which he designed 44 residences in and around Birmingham and at least nine homes in Grosse Pointe. You can read the full story by clicking here.

During his career Wallace Frost created several wonderful homes in the Grosse Pointe communities.…

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