Last week we continued our exploration of Mid-Century Modern architecture as we presented some of the modern projects designed by James W. Conn. A fine example of his work is 781 Lake Shore, completed in 1964, for Dr. I. W. McLean.

This week we step back in time to one of the earliest homes built on Lake Shore – the Theodore Parsons Hall “Tonnancour” Estate - built in 1880, designed by Mortimer L. Smith. It was a significant estate for the emerging community of Grosse Pointe, and for Hall himself, a significant businessman in Detroit. Mr. Hall had retired early having made his fortune in the grain business and dedicated much of his time to the estate. 

Research by renowned historian Thomas W. Brunk states “In 1880, Theodore Hall purchased 63…

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