Last week we introduced the new 237 Lake Shore. Completed in 1967, is one of the finest homes in Grosse Pointe. Located on part of the site of the former David C. Whitney estate, “Ridgemont”, the new residence is a key property in the modern-day grand estates of Grosse Pointe.

A few weeks ago, we began introducing the work of some extremely talented, yet lesser-known designers/builders who worked throughout Metro Detroit during the 1920’s – 1930’s. This week we continue with the series as we introduce some of the houses built by Emil Schultz.

It is believed Emil Schultz was born in Detroit on 13 September 1904. During a career that spanned four decades Schultz built some fine homes in the community in conjunction with several noted architects.…

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Last week we explored the history of a former grand home in Grosse Pointe, “Ridgemont”, located at 237 Lake Shore. It was designed in 1902 by Rogers & MacFarlane for David C. Whitney and was one of the finest estates ever built in Grosse Pointe. It was razed in 1955.

This week we stay with 237 Lake Shore as we look at the home that was built on part of the land that was once the “Ridgemont” estate. Following the demolition of the original home, in 1955, the land was subdivided. Part of the property was added to an adjoining estate, 241 Lake Shore, which was owned by Ernest Kanzler (an executive turned banker). In 1966, his son Robert Kanzler commissioned a new home on the site which would become the new 237 Lake Shore.

The new 237 Lake Shore…

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Last week we stopped by 315 Fisher, constructed around 1913 for a German florist named Fred Pautke - there are conflicting stories as to what it was initially used for. Since 1981, it has been the home of Grosse Pointe Theatre for rehearsals, workshops, and as its admin office.

As part of the blog post last week we mentioned the David C. Whitney estate where Fred Pautke (who owned 315 Fisher) was the gardener. This week we delve deeper into this once grand home, known as “Ridgemont” that was located at 237 Lake Shore. It was razed in 1955.

237 Lake Shore was designed by Rogers & MacFarlane for David C. Whitney. It was completed in 1902. At the time Grosse Pointe Farms was transitioning from a place where wealthy families would spend the summer…

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Last week we explored the newest building to be constructed in Grosse Pointe, the Schaap Center, a modern structure that will become part of the community’s architectural story. It opened to patrons in May 2026.

This week we stop by 315 Fisher, owned and used by the Grosse Pointe Theatre (GPT) for rehearsals, workshops, and as its administrative office. As of June 5, GPT’s performance home for its productions will be at the Schaap Center.

It is understood 315 Fisher, a Tudor style building, was constructed around 1913. It is rumored a German florist named Fred Pautke was the original owner, however there are conflicting stories as to what it was initially used for. It has been suggested it was a boarding house or used as a telephone exchange. We…

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Last week we profiled another architect who was known nationally, yet not locally in Metro Detroit – Paul Rudolph. He came to Grosse Pointe in 1970 to create 3 Cameron Place for Dr. Frank Parcells. It was the only home he created in Michigan.

This week we stop by Grosse Pointes newest building, the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for the Performing Arts. This stunning structure opened a couple of weeks ago (May 2026) and is now welcoming guests to enjoy performances and art displays in the Richard and Jane Manoogian Art gallery.

The Building
The Schaap Center is a world class performing arts center – it is 49,000 square feet, with 435 seats, state-of-the-art-lighting, world-class acoustics, and a temperature-controlled gallery. The design is…

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