Last week we continued with the story of the “Tonnancour” estate as we looked at another home built on the property - 383 Lake Shore - which was originally built for Mr. Hall’s widow and would ultimately become the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb.

This week we conclude our series on the history of the former “Tonnancour” estate as we explore one of the new sub-divisions located on the former 63-acre property – Tonnancour Place. This prestigious street in Grosse Pointe Farms is now the location of many fine residences, which over the years have had several notable residents. 

The name Tonnancour is thought to have been taken from the 18th centurystone mansion (of the same name) built by René Godefroy deTonnancour (1669-1738) on the St.…

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Last week we continued the story of the former “Tonnancour” estate as we explored the home Theodore Hall's daughter Marie and her husband, Major Fuger, built on part of the property - 395 Lake Shore – now 55 Tonnancour Place. Completed in 1914, it was designed by Washington based architect Edward w. Donn Jr.

This week we continue with the story as we look at another home built on the estate by Mr. Hall’s widow - 383 Lake Shore – which would ultimately become the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb who would create a beautiful lakefront home.

Following the fire that destroyed the family home on the “Tonnancour” estate, it is understood Theodore Hall’s widow, Alexandrine, moved to a residence in Detroit while her new home, 383 Lake Shore was…

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Last week we presented the history of 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 prominent businessman in Detroit.

This week we continue with the “Tonnancour” estate as we explore the home Theodore Hall's daughter Marie and her husband, Major Fuger, built on part of the property - 395 Lake Shore – now 55 Tonnancour Place. Completed in 1914, it was designed by Washington based architect Edward w. Donn Jr.

Theodore Parsons Hall died on January 3, 1909. His wife Alexandrine and her three surviving children (Josephine, Nathalie and Marie) continued to…

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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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