Last week we reviewed Robert O. Derrick’s work on Provencal – 23 Provencal, 248 Provencal (now razed), 214 Provencal, and 204 Provencal (now razed). Derrick was one of a handful of architects to design multiple homes on this street.

This week we continue with the work of Robert O. Derrick, as we stop by 97 Touraine. This stunning Georgian style home was completed in 1929, for stockbroker, Howard Bennett. 

As a prolific architect in Grosse Pointe, Derrick played a pivotal role in helping transform the architectural scene in Grosse Pointe from the 1920’s onwards. He specialized in creating large formal residences for prominent clientele who were looking for ‘something spectacular’. Arguably Derricks most productive and defining era occurred in the…

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Last week we reviewed Hugh T. Keyes work on the prestigious street of Provencal – 34 Provencal (extensive alterations), 260 Provencal (now razed) and 344 Provencal.

This week, we continue the theme of multiple homes created by a single architect on this significant street with the work of local architect Robert O. Derrick – 23 Provencal, 290 Provencal, 274 Provencal, 248 Provencal (now razed), 214 Provencal, and 204 Provencal (now razed).

HMA is a huge fan of the work by this skilled architect and has sold many homes Robert O. Derrick designed, including the exquisite 211 Vendome. As a prolific architect in the community, Derrick played a pivotal role in helping transform the architectural scene in Grosse Pointe during the 1920’s. He specialized…

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Last week we explored the homes in Grosse Pointe Elma Mennen and her husband, Henry Williams, had Hugh T. Keyes design for them – 344 Provencal and 35 Tonnancour Place. 

This week we look at Hugh T. Keyes work on the prestigious street of Provencal – 34 Provencal (extensive alterations), 260 Provencal (now razed) and 344 Provencal.

A noted early 20th century architect, Hugh T. Keyes was a prolific designer of fine homes in the Grosse Pointes and was arguably one of the most diverse architects to ply his trade in the community. Keyes was a phenomenal designer and is considered one of the most versatile architects to work in southeastern Michigan. He was born in Trenton, MI in 1888, and studied architecture at Harvard University. After graduating…

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Last week we concluded our series on the history of the former “Tonnancour” estate as we explored 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 week we delve deeper into the history of one of the residents of Tonnancour Place, Elma C. Mennen, and take a look at the two stunning homes she had constructed in Grosse Pointe. Both were designed by the renowned architect, Hugh T. Keyes.

Elma Christina Mennen was a prominent figure in the City of Detroit. Born in Newark in 1885, she came from a prosperous family - her father, Gerhard Heinrich Mennen, founded…

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