Real Estate Blog - August, 2026

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Work of William F. Goodrich

Last week we presented the history of 70 Moran, “Sunnycroft”. This fine estate was designed by William Goodrich in 1916-17, for Cornelia Anderson. The property was partially demolished in 1946 and fully razed in 1957.

This week we delve deeper into the work of William F. Goodrich who created several fine homes in Grosse Pointe during the first half of the twentieth century.

William Goodrich, born on 6 August 1886 in Bay City, was a man of many talents. His career evolved from designing large formal residences in the early part of the 20thcentury, creating innovative homes with ‘artistic lines’, to producing some classic Colonial homes. It is clear he was a man with a deft touch for creating something out of the ordinary.While there is very…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 70 Moran “Sunnycroft”

Last week we stopped by 39 Beverly Road, a lovely English Cottage style residence designed by Carey and Esselstyn for lawyer William H. Wells in 1927.

This week we stay with the theme of English Cottage style residences to present the story of 70 Moran, “Sunnycroft”, designed by William F. Goodrich in 1916-17, for Cornelia Anderson, widow of William K. Anderson (who passed in 1909). The property was partially demolished in 1946 and fully razed in 1957.

As the photo below demonstrates 70 Moran was a stunning residence created in an English Cottage style. This approach was popular in many areas of the United States from 1915 to 1940, not only for large residences, but for smaller homes too. Typical characteristics associated with this approach…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 39 Beverly

Last week we presented some of the work of Horrace Esselstyn – this talented and sought-after engineer worked on some incredible projects across Metro Detroit and some stunning homes in Grosse Pointe during the 1920’s. 

This week we head to 39 Beverly Road, a lovely English Cottage style home that Horrace Esselstyn created with his partner of six years, architect Raymond Carey.

In September 1923 it was announced in the Detroit Free Press that Horrace Esselstyn had formed a practice with distinguished architect Raymond Carey. Carey & Esselstyn worked together from 1923 to 1929. Much of their work was in the prestigious neighborhoods of Metro Detroit, including Grosse Pointe, where they designed at least 4 homes

•        867 Balfour - 1923
• …

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Engineer Horrace Esselstyn

Last week we presented four homes that were designed and built by the talented duo of Raymond Carey and his partner, Horrace Esselstyn, between 1923 – 1929. Together Carey and Esselstyn created many fine residences along with several key buildings in Detroit.

This week we continue with the work of Horrace Esselstyn as we explore more of his creations and career history – this talented engineer worked on some incredible projects in Grosse Pointe and across Metro Detroit. 

A successful engineer, Horace Hovey Esselstyn was described as an “outspoken” and “colorful figure” who “played a large part in building modern Detroit.” He was born in Detroit on 26 December 1874. A couple of years later the family decided to move back to Syracuse, New York…

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