Last week we explored 105 Lake Shore, part of the subdivision of the former Newberry Estate that is also the location of Warner Road, 95 Lake Shore.

This week we begin a two-part series on some of the projects completed by one of Grosse Pointe’s most prolific architects John L. Pottle. Mr. Pottle designed multiple homes and several commercial buildings throughout Grosse Pointe during the 1940’s-1960’s. In Part 1 we will feature five homes designed by Mr. Pottle. Part 2 will explore several commercial spaces he designed during the mid-to late 1940’s some of which could certainly be described as ahead of their time.

John Lockyer Pottle was born in Detroit, on January 3, 1910. Having graduated from University of Michigan in 1931, he began his…

1185 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we presented the 82-year history of one of the oldest estates in Grosse Pointe. It appears the first residence on the land dates to 1875, when “Lake Terrace”, a summer cottage, was completed for Congressman John Stoughton Newberry Sr. It was designed by Gordon W. Lloyd. In 1911, his son John S. Newberry Jr. commissioned a new home on the property - 99 Lake Shore - a sprawling estate that was razed in 1987.

This week we continue the story of the former Newberry estate, with the homes that were built on the subdivided land, including 105 Lake Shore - a superb Georgian Colonial residence.

After 99 Lake Shore was reduced to a hole in the ground in just 90 days, the huge piece of land where the estate was once located sat empty for close to…

2258 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we celebrated 10 years of the Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe blog. With nearly 500 articles, posted every week since July 2014, it has been a pleasure to share the superb history of this special community.

This week we present the 82-year history of one of the oldest estates in Grosse Pointe, 99 Lake Shore. It appears the first residence on the land dates to 1875, when “Lake Terrace” a summer cottage, was completed for Congressman John Stoughton Newberry Sr., designed by Gordon W. Lloyd. Situated on an extensive property, the cottage was constructed of wood with a large open terrace that ran around most of the property. Image courtesy of the Detroit Public Library.

It is alleged the cottage was one of the first of its…

1362 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we presented the final years of 241 Lake Shore, a magnificent estate built in 1913 for Mrs. Henry Stephens. Beginning in the late 1940’s it became known as the “Kanzler Mansion”. It was then sold several times before coming to a pivotal moment in its history in 1987, followed by its demolition in 1988.

This week we are celebrating 10 years of the Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe blog. With over 500 articles, posted every week since July 2014, it has been an absolute pleasure to share the superb history of this special community.

Since the beginning of the 20th century Grosse Pointe has become the location of some of the finest homes that have been built in the United States. The early mansions that were created on Lake…

875 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post


Last week we presented the story of the lost garden at 241 Lake Shore, the former grand estate of Mrs. Henry Stephens (wife of lumber baron Henry Stephens Jr. who passed in 1910). The magnificent property was designed by Charles A. Platt in 1913. It was demolished in 1988.

This week we stay with 241 Lake Shore as we delve into the final part of the story – beginning in the late 1940’s, when it became known as the “Kanzler Mansion”, through to the properties dramatic conclusion in 1987.

After the original owner Mrs. Stephens passed on May 12, 1944, it appears 241 Lake Shore was purchased by Ernest C. Kanzler, a prominent figure in Detroit who had “full responsibility for converting the auto industry for World War II.” Source: Detroit Free Press…

1774 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we presented one of the lost homes of Grosse Pointe, 15500 Windmill Pointe which was recently demolished in the spring of 2024. Completed in 1928, it was designed by the architectural firm of Benjamin and Straight for Colonel Jesse G. Vincent.

This week we present the story of the lost garden at 241 Lake Shore, the former grand estate of Mrs. Henry Stephens, designed by Charles A. Platt in 1913. The property was demolished in 1988.

As most of you are aware, over the years Grosse Pointe has lost many fine estates. It is not just the magnificent homes that have gone but also countless gardens that were designed by some of the nation’s most noteworthy architects. This includes the superb gardens at 241 Lake Shore, created by William…

742 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we presented one of the lost homes of Grosse Pointe, 111 Lake Shore. Also known as “Cherryhurst” it was built in 1907 for prominent businessman Paul Harvey Deming, one of the first year-round residences to be constructed in Grosse Pointe Farms.

This week we stay with the theme of lost homes as we explore a one-of-a-kind residence 15500 Windmill Pointe - recently demolished in the spring of 2024. 

Grosse Pointe is known for its collection of historic and distinctive homes. One of the more individual properties in the community was 15500 Windmill Pointe Drive, Grosse Pointe Park. Not only did it have a memorable exterior, but the interior was also just as fascinating - it is possible it was the only home on the lake that had a canal…

2811 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we concluded our presentation on the work of Carl R. Habermas as we explored some of the Art Deco and Modern inspired homes he created in Grosse Pointe from the 1930’s through to the 1950’s.

This week we look at one of the lost homes of Grosse Pointe, 111 Lake Shore. Also known as “Cherryhurst” it was built in 1907 for prominent businessman Paul Harvey Deming, one of the first year-round residences to be constructed in Grosse Pointe Farms. The architect, so far, has not been identified.

The asymmetrical property was situated on a long narrow two-acre lot, measuring 150 feet wide by 614 feet deep (depicted by the plan below). It was reached via a private drive from Lake Shore through an iron gate between brick piers, bearing stone…

1144 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we presented the work of J. H. Gustav Steffens and Carl R. Habermas. Together, the duo, who both had long and distinguished careers, designed multiple homes in the affluent suburbs of Metro Detroit during the 1930’s.

This week we continue with the work of Carl R. Habermas as we look at some of the Art Deco and Modern inspired homes he created in Grosse Pointe from the 1930’s through to the 1950’s.

Carl R. Habermas was a widely respected and talented designer. He specialized in residential and commercial projects creating many homes in the Metro Detroit area in an array of architectural styles. This included numerous projects in his much sought after Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern approach. Source: Michigan Society of Architects…

1192 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Last week we headed to one of the most prestigious streets in Grosse Pointe Farms, Provencal, to explore the elegant modern marvels, many of which were built by the respected architect/builder Hilary H. Micou in the late 1950’s and 1960’s.

 This week we turn our attention to the renowned firm of J. H. Gustav Steffens and Carl R. Habermas. Together, the duo, who both had long and distinguished careers, designed multiple homes in the affluent suburbs of Metro Detroit during the 1930’s.

J. H. Gustav Steffens was an established architect in Detroit. creating large residences in the prosperous suburbs of the city. He was born in Manistee, Michigan, on March 28, 1884. His early experience as an architect came from working with his father, Henry, who…

1349 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post