Real Estate Blog

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe –Bedford Road – Part 1

Last week we explored some of Grosse Pointe’s carriage houses that were part of the many grand estates built during the early twentieth century. Designed by some of Detroit’s leading architects they had (and have) unique architectural charm and historic significance.

This week we head to one of the most architecturally interesting streets in Grosse Pointe Park, Bedford Road. In Part 1 of the two-part series, we are going to review the range of architectural styles that can be found on this captivating street, with just some of the homes built in and around the 1920’s on the John H. Tigchon’s subdivision.

Many of the houses in Grosse Pointe Park were built during the 1920’ and 1930’s, during a period of growth and architectural transformation in…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Grosse Pointe’s Carriage Houses

Last week we presented the history of some of Grosse Pointe’s turn-of-the-century summer cottages. Located in picturesque settings next to the lake many of these Queen Anne style structures have been demolished, however there are still a few that remain in the community.

This week we turn our attention to the history of carriage houses - with some fine examples in Grosse Pointe. Carriage houses played a key role in the grand estates that were built in Grosse Pointe (and throughout the world) during the early twentieth century.

From the beginning of the twentieth century Grosse Pointe became the prime location for wealthy businessmen to build grand estates. Many of these magnificent residences included a carriage house as part of the estate,…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Grosse Pointe’s Summer Cottages.

Last week we concluded our series on the homes built by Joseph Berry. His grand estate of “Edgemere”, located at 50 Lake Shore was a Queen Anne style home completed in 1882. It was one of the first year-round homes to be constructed in Grosse Pointe and was razed in 1941.

This week we delve deeper into some of the majestic turn-of-the century Queen Anne style summer cottages in Grosse Pointe next to the lake. While the majority have been demolished there are still a few that can be found in the community.

The road we know as Lake Shore today was originally an early Indian trail. In 1851, the road became known as Jefferson Avenue, and in 1915, the section of Jefferson Avenue located in Grosse Pointe was officially named Lake Shore. It is…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 50 Lake Shore

Over the last couple of weeks, we have presented the history of 59 Lake Shore and 60 Lake Shore. Both homes were built around the turn of the century and were commissioned by Joseph Berry as wedding gifts for two of his daughters. The houses were located on the eastern end of Mr. Berry’s “Edgemere” estate, located at 50 Lake Shore. Both houses have been razed.

This week we conclude the story of the Joseph Berry homes as we present the history of his own residence, “Edgemere”. Completed in 1882, not only was it one of the first year-round homes to be constructed in Grosse Pointe, but it was arguably one of the communities more significant residences. Prior to its construction Grosse Pointe was primarily known for its summer homes where wealthy…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 60 Lake Shore

Last week we visited 59 Lake Shore in the City of Grosse Pointe. This historic home, designed by the prestigious firm of Mason & Rice, was built in 1892, by Joseph Berry as a wedding present for his eldest daughter, Charlotte and her husband Henry Sherrard.

This week we stay with the Berry family as we travel the short distance to 60 Lake Shore, built in 1903 for Joseph’s middle daughter, Alice, and her husband Dr. Edwin Lodge. It is understood Alices father, Joseph Berry, offered to build a home for each of his three daughters, as a wedding present, on part of his 15-acre estate – “Edgemere” located at 50 Lake Shore (razed in 1942).

60 Lake Shore was set on a spectacular 2-acre lakefront site with 275’ on Lake St. Clair. Approximately 5,120 sq…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 59 Lake Shore

Last week we visited 551 Lake Shore. This modern homewas created by versatile architect Hugh T. Keyes in 1957, for Leo Fiztpatrick, a national figure in radio broadcasting and veteran of both World Wars. The property was the venue for 1980 Designer’s Show House.

This week we travel to the opposite end of Lake Shore Drive to visit 59 Lake Shore in the City of Grosse Pointe. This historic home, designed by the prestigious firm of Mason & Rice, was bult in 1892, by Joseph Berry for his daughter, Charlotte and her husband Henry Sherrard. Image courtesy of Grosse Pointe Historical Society.

59 Lake Shore, the “Henry Sherrard” house is one of theoldest surviving year-round houses in the Grosse Ponte communities. The architectural style has been…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 551 Lake Shore

Last week we went to 379 Lakeland in Grosse Pointe. This historic home was designed by the phenomenal architect Hugh T. Keyes in 1925, for Jerome Emmet Joseph Keane, a stockbroker, banker, and financial consultant. Over the course of its 100-year history it has only been owned by three families.

This week we stay with the work of Hugh T. Keyes as we explore one of his modern creations, 551 Lake Shore. It was completed in 1957, for Leo Fiztpatrick, a national figure in radio broadcasting and a veteran of both World Wars.

551 Lake Shore is an 8,800 sq ft custom built residence, designed by Hugh Keyes and built by Monahan and Gould. Constructed of steel and concrete it is situated on a large lot with 96 feet on Lake Shore and 268 feet on…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 379 Lakeland

Last week we explored a splendid home, 30 Preston Place. Completed in 1932, it was designed by celebrated New York architect Duncan Chandler for Louise Webber Jackson as a springtime residence.

This week we head to 379 Lakeland in Grosse Pointe. This historic home was designed by the phenomenal architect Hugh T. Keyes in 1925, for Jerome Emmet Joseph Keane, a stockbroker, banker, and financial consultant. Over the course of its 100-year history it has only been owned by three families. Image courtesy of: detroitpubliclibrary.org

379 Lakeland is located on the corner of Maumee and Lakeland on more than 1 acre of pristinely landscape grounds - one of the largest lots in the City of Grosse Pointe. It is understood the property was originally…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 30 Preston Place

Last week we presented the history of the Vernier family whose origins can be traced to Grenoble, France. Having arrived in Grosse Pointe, via Quebec, in the late eighteenth century the long line of Verniers became representatives of one of the oldest families in south-eastern Michigan.

This week we head to a splendid home, 30 Preston Place. Completed in 1932, it was designed by celebrated New York architect Duncan Chandler for Louise Webber Jackson as a springtime residence.

The original address of 30 Preston Place was 486 Kercheval. The property is nestled on a quiet dead-end street in Grosse Pointe Farms. We understand when the property was first built, it sat on “ten wooded and landscaped acres of spring plantings”. Source: Grosse Pointe…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Vernier Family

Over the past couple of weeks, we have presented the history of two prominent families in Grosse Pointe – the Beaupre's and the Kerby's  – both have had a noted presence in the community.

This week we conclude the series (for now) with the history of the Vernier family. The earliest decedents of the Vernier family can be traced back to 1701. It was around this time that Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac found the area we now call Detroit and took possession of the land for France.

The origin of the Vernier name can be traced to Grenoble, France, a city in the southeast of the country at the foot of the French Alps. Genoble’s history dates back more than 2,000 years, and it has been the capital of the Dauphiné since the 11th century. Vernier is a…

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