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…

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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…

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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…

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