Last week we turned our attention to one of Grosse Pointes lost estates – 431 Lake Shore. This once grand home was completed in 1914, by the nationally renowned architectural firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls for William P. Stevens, an industrial developer. It was demolished in the fall of 2001.

This week we head to 61 Moross a rather handsome English Cottage style home, completed in 1925, possibly for the legendary baseball player Ty Cobb.

Grosse Pointe is known for its prominent families who once made their home in the community. Some of these families, at the time, were nationally renowned figures, and over the years has included several high-profile baseball stars including

  •        Kirk Gibson – 40 Sunningdale
  •        Lawrence Roehm – 354…

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Last week we concluded our two-part series on the St. Clare of Montefalco Parish. 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary, so in honor of this momentous celebration, we explored the history of the school and the church.

This week we turn our attention to one of Grosse Pointes lost estates – 431 Lake Shore. This once grand home was completed in 1914, by the nationally renowned architectural firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls for William P. Stevens, an industrial developer. It was demolished in the fall of 2001. The post was a request from Mr. George, a former owner of the property.

431 Lake Shore was a magnificent Georgian Revival home, situated on a huge lot. When the house was first built, in 1914, the brick-built property had a prominent entrance at both…

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Last week we began a two-part series on St. Clare of Montefalco Parish. 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of this important parish, so in honor of this momentous occasion we started by featuring the history of the school.

This week we continue the story of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish with the history of the church. The first Sunday mass was held on October 3, 1926, at the Colony Theatre (located on Mack and Balfour). It was reported over 500 parishioners were in attendance over three masses. A temporary chapel and rectory were then purchased (located at 3444 Bedford in Detroit) for weekday masses. Source: stclarem.org.

Following the opening of the school in September 1927, the building also served as a temporary home for the church, with the…

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Last week we presented the story of 864 Rivard. Built around 1908 (or before), it is not only one of Grosse Pointe’s oldest homes, but one of a few Saltbox style properties found in the community.

This week we turn our attention to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish. 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of this important parish, so in honor of this momentous occasion we are beginning a two-part series which will feature the history of the school and the church. 

The origins of St Clare Parish date back to 1923, when Father James A. McDonald, pastor of St. Augustine Church in Hamtramck, was chosen to lead the new St. Clare Parish, which was to be overseen by the Augustinian Fathers. The first Sunday mass for the new parish was held on October 3, 1926, at…

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Last week we explored the work of a lesser known, yet prominent Detroit based firm Palmquist & Wright who were known for designing Mid-Century Modern style homes, along with creating hundreds of house plans that were published in books and catalogues. 

This week we move away from modern style houses to delve into the history of one of Grosse Pointe’s oldest homes, 864 Rivard, one of a few Saltbox style homes found in the community. The post was a request from Sandy Yarrington whose great-grandmother and grandparents once lived at the property.

It is believed 864 Rivard was built in 1908, however there is a distinct possibility it may have been completed during the late 1800’s or possibly earlier. It is not known who the original family was who…

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