Last week we presented the home and work of Ward A. Detwiler. Mr. Detwiler and his partner John Bryant created some of the most noteworthy factories, stores, and offices in Detroit during the early 20th century. Mr. Detwiler resided at 1009 Three Mile; a house designed by noted architects Crombie & Stanton.

We recently featured the home of John Bryant – 815 Ellair - a stunning Tudor residence designed by the esteemed firm of Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls (SHG) in 1930. It was a just one of many fine homes created by the company over several decades. In part one of a two-part series, we will be presenting some more of the residential projects completed by the company in Grosse Pointe. This week we focus on three of the properties they designed between…

580 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we went to 815 Ellair Place, a magnificent English Tudor residence located at the end of the street, overlooking Lake St. Clair. It was designed by the nationally recognized firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls in 1930, for John A. Bryant. Mr. Bryant was co-founder of the Bryant and Detwiler Company, one of Detroit's most admired building firms.

This week we are going to focus on the home and work of Ward Arnold Detwiler. As the partner of John Bryant, their company - Bryant and Detwiler - created some of the most noteworthy factories, stores, and offices in Detroit during the early twentieth century. Mr. Detwiler resided at 1009 Three Mile, a house designed by noted architects Crombie and Stanton in 1925.

1009 Three Mile is a 7,500 sq ft…

640 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we introduced the Gracie Wallpaper Company. This very special and exclusive interior feature is not your standard wallpaper, but a covering of silk, hand painted by artists. To this day it remains highly sought after and can be found on the walls of some of the most notable homes in the world, including at least two residences in Grosse Pointe.

This week we head to 815 Ellair Place, a magnificent English Tudor residence located at the end of the street, overlooking Lake St. Clair. It was designed by the nationally recognized firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls in 1930, for John A. Bryant. Mr. Bryant was co-founder of the Bryant and Detwiler Company, one of Detroit's most noted building contractor firms. 815 Ellair was built by his own…

593 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we explored the work of Robert O. Derrick and Branson Gamber. Together they were a united force, while individually they are remembered as two very talented designers. They created several fine homes in Grosse Pointe and numerous landmark buildings in Metro Detroit.

This week we are going to focus on something completely different, a very special and exclusive interior feature that is found today in just a handful of homes in Grosse Pointe – wallcovering, by the Gracie Wallpaper Company.

Since the turn of the twentieth century Grosse Pointe has welcomed not only some of the nations most talented architects but also some of the most skilled landscape and interior designers. The latter have filled the grand estates with some of the…

751 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we reviewed two contemporary creations by Hugh T. Keyes that have been razed. Both properties were located on Lake Shore - 707 Lake Shore was demolished during the 1990’s, and 665 Lake Shore was demolished around 2010.

This week we turn our attention to the work of Derrick and Gamber. We recently introduced some of the projects by the firm in our presentation on the schools in Grosse Pointe. Derrick and Gamber was a partnership of prolific local architect Robert O. Derrick and the highly regarded Branson Van Leer Gamber. It appears the duo began working together in the early 1930’s, receiving commissions to design schools, many stunning residences, and numerous landmark buildings in Metro Detroit.

Robert O. Derrick and Branson Gamber…

587 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post