Last week we presented the 82-year history of one of the oldest estates in Grosse Pointe. It appears the first residence on the land dates to 1875, when “Lake Terrace”, a summer cottage, was completed for Congressman John Stoughton Newberry Sr. It was designed by Gordon W. Lloyd. In 1911, his son John S. Newberry Jr. commissioned a new home on the property - 99 Lake Shore - a sprawling estate that was razed in 1987.

This week we continue the story of the former Newberry estate, with the homes that were built on the subdivided land, including 105 Lake Shore - a superb Georgian Colonial residence.

After 99 Lake Shore was reduced to a hole in the ground in just 90 days, the huge piece of land where the estate was once located sat empty for close to…

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Last week we celebrated 10 years of the Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe blog. With nearly 500 articles, posted every week since July 2014, it has been a pleasure to share the superb history of this special community.

This week we present the 82-year history of one of the oldest estates in Grosse Pointe, 99 Lake Shore. It appears the first residence on the land dates to 1875, when “Lake Terrace” a summer cottage, was completed for Congressman John Stoughton Newberry Sr., designed by Gordon W. Lloyd. Situated on an extensive property, the cottage was constructed of wood with a large open terrace that ran around most of the property. Image courtesy of the Detroit Public Library.

It is alleged the cottage was one of the first of its…

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Last week we presented the final years of 241 Lake Shore, a magnificent estate built in 1913 for Mrs. Henry Stephens. Beginning in the late 1940’s it became known as the “Kanzler Mansion”. It was then sold several times before coming to a pivotal moment in its history in 1987, followed by its demolition in 1988.

This week we are celebrating 10 years of the Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe blog. With over 500 articles, posted every week since July 2014, it has been an absolute pleasure to share the superb history of this special community.

Since the beginning of the 20th century Grosse Pointe has become the location of some of the finest homes that have been built in the United States. The early mansions that were created on Lake…

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Last week we presented the story of the lost garden at 241 Lake Shore, the former grand estate of Mrs. Henry Stephens (wife of lumber baron Henry Stephens Jr. who passed in 1910). The magnificent property was designed by Charles A. Platt in 1913. It was demolished in 1988.

This week we stay with 241 Lake Shore as we delve into the final part of the story – beginning in the late 1940’s, when it became known as the “Kanzler Mansion”, through to the properties dramatic conclusion in 1987.

After the original owner Mrs. Stephens passed on May 12, 1944, it appears 241 Lake Shore was purchased by Ernest C. Kanzler, a prominent figure in Detroit who had “full responsibility for converting the auto industry for World War II.” Source: Detroit Free Press…

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Last week we presented one of the lost homes of Grosse Pointe, 15500 Windmill Pointe which was recently demolished in the spring of 2024. Completed in 1928, it was designed by the architectural firm of Benjamin and Straight for Colonel Jesse G. Vincent.

This week we present the story of the lost garden at 241 Lake Shore, the former grand estate of Mrs. Henry Stephens, designed by Charles A. Platt in 1913. The property was demolished in 1988.

As most of you are aware, over the years Grosse Pointe has lost many fine estates. It is not just the magnificent homes that have gone but also countless gardens that were designed by some of the nation’s most noteworthy architects. This includes the superb gardens at 241 Lake Shore, created by William…

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