Last week we explored some of Grosse Pointe’s carriage houses that were part of the many grand estates built during the early twentieth century. Designed by some of Detroit’s leading architects they had (and have) unique architectural charm and historic significance.

This week we head to one of the most architecturally interesting streets in Grosse Pointe Park, Bedford Road. In Part 1 of the two-part series, we are going to review the range of architectural styles that can be found on this captivating street, with just some of the homes built in and around the 1920’s on the John H. Tigchon’s subdivision.

Many of the houses in Grosse Pointe Park were built during the 1920’ and 1930’s, during a period of growth and architectural transformation in…

399 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we presented the history of some of Grosse Pointe’s turn-of-the-century summer cottages. Located in picturesque settings next to the lake many of these Queen Anne style structures have been demolished, however there are still a few that remain in the community.

This week we turn our attention to the history of carriage houses - with some fine examples in Grosse Pointe. Carriage houses played a key role in the grand estates that were built in Grosse Pointe (and throughout the world) during the early twentieth century.

From the beginning of the twentieth century Grosse Pointe became the prime location for wealthy businessmen to build grand estates. Many of these magnificent residences included a carriage house as part of the estate,…

556 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we concluded our series on the homes built by Joseph Berry. His grand estate of “Edgemere”, located at 50 Lake Shore was a Queen Anne style home completed in 1882. It was one of the first year-round homes to be constructed in Grosse Pointe and was razed in 1941.

This week we delve deeper into some of the majestic turn-of-the century Queen Anne style summer cottages in Grosse Pointe next to the lake. While the majority have been demolished there are still a few that can be found in the community.

The road we know as Lake Shore today was originally an early Indian trail. In 1851, the road became known as Jefferson Avenue, and in 1915, the section of Jefferson Avenue located in Grosse Pointe was officially named Lake Shore. It is…

574 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Over the last couple of weeks, we have presented the history of 59 Lake Shore and 60 Lake Shore. Both homes were built around the turn of the century and were commissioned by Joseph Berry as wedding gifts for two of his daughters. The houses were located on the eastern end of Mr. Berry’s “Edgemere” estate, located at 50 Lake Shore. Both houses have been razed.

This week we conclude the story of the Joseph Berry homes as we present the history of his own residence, “Edgemere”. Completed in 1882, not only was it one of the first year-round homes to be constructed in Grosse Pointe, but it was arguably one of the communities more significant residences. Prior to its construction Grosse Pointe was primarily known for its summer homes where wealthy…

717 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we visited 59 Lake Shore in the City of Grosse Pointe. This historic home, designed by the prestigious firm of Mason & Rice, was built in 1892, by Joseph Berry as a wedding present for his eldest daughter, Charlotte and her husband Henry Sherrard.

This week we stay with the Berry family as we travel the short distance to 60 Lake Shore, built in 1903 for Joseph’s middle daughter, Alice, and her husband Dr. Edwin Lodge. It is understood Alices father, Joseph Berry, offered to build a home for each of his three daughters, as a wedding present, on part of his 15-acre estate – “Edgemere” located at 50 Lake Shore (razed in 1942).

60 Lake Shore was set on a spectacular 2-acre lakefront site with 275’ on Lake St. Clair. Approximately 5,120 sq…

524 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post