Real Estate Blog

Historical Company of Grosse Pointe – Higbie Maxon Agney Celebrates its 90th Year

Last week we explored an iconic structure, the Windmill Point Lighthouse – a light that has stood at the entrance of Lake St. Clair for around 180 years. 

This week we would like to present another constant beacon in the community – Higbie Maxon Agney. This year Higbie Maxon Agney celebrates its 90th anniversary, an achievement Kay Agney and her team is extremely proud of.

The roots of the company can be traced back to 1929 to the Maxon Brothers Real Estate Firm. In 1972 Mr. Hugo S. Higbie acquired the Maxon Brothers Real Estate Firm and renamed the joined firms Higbie Maxon Realtors, Inc. That same year Higbie Maxon located to the Hill in Grosse Pointe Farms. 

However, before we go too far, lets step back in time, and then we can return…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to the Windmill Point Lighthouse

Last week we presented the history of Windmill Pointe, one of the most historic areas in the Grosse Pointe communities. The origin of the area dates back to 1712. 

This week we stay close to Windmill Pointe as we explore another iconic structure, the Windmill Point Lighthouse – a light that has stood at the entrance of Lake St. Clair for around 180 years.

The year is 1837. The customs collector in Detroit, Andrew Mack, had purchased a nearly four-acre site at the confluence of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River for a lighthouse to be constructed. That same year Congress had appropriated $5,000 (around $133,000 today) for “building a lighthouse on Windmill Island, at the outlet of Lake St. Clair”. 12 months later, the lighthouse had been…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to Windmill Pointe

Last week we presented Sunnycroft, the lost estate of Mrs. William K. Anderson that was once located at 70 Moran. It was completed in 1919 having been designed by William F. Goodrich, and demolished in 1957.

This week we head to Windmill Pointe - one of the most recognized, and historic areas in the Grosse Pointe communities. The origin of Windmill Pointe dates back to 1712.

During the early 20th century Grosse Pointe was rapidly transforming from a summer retreat to a year round residence. Improved roads to Detroit coupled with the advent of the car were heavily influencing this transformation. Grosse Pointe Park was one area in particular that was proving to be extremely popular for wealthy Detroiters and professionals to re locate to the suburbs.…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Lost Estate of Sunnycroft

Last week we explored the work of Frank A. Miles. He designed close to 20 homes that we know of, throughout Grosse Pointe between 1926 and 1948. Much of his work is on some of Grosse Pointe’s more noted streets such as Provencal, Lothrop, Touraine, and Renaud. 

This week we return to the lost estates to present 70 Moran, also known as Sunnycroft. William F. Goodrich designed this beautiful property, in 1919, for Mrs. William K. Anderson. 

As the photos below demonstrate it is a superb residence created in an English Cottage style. This approach was popular in many areas of the United States from 1915 to 1940, from small homes to grand manors. Typical characteristics associated with this approach include an asymmetric configuration, a steeply…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to the Work of Frank A. Miles

Last week we explored 226 Provencal. Completed in 1940 Frank A. Miles designed this striking Regency manor for John Lord Booth - founder, owner and chairman of numerous broadcasting companies throughout Michigan and the United States during the 1940’s.

This week we stay with the work of Frank Allen Miles and present several of his other projects that are located throughout the Grosse Pointe communities. As we mentioned last week very little is known about the career of Mr. Miles but we do know he designed close to 20 homes that we know of, throughout Grosse Pointe between 1926 and 1948. Much of his work is on some of Grosse Pointe’s more noted streets such as Provencal, Lothrop, Touraine, and Renaud.

The majority of Frank Miles projects were…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to Alger Place and Island Lane

Last week we explored what is possibly the most recognizable building in the Grosse Pointe Communities – 32 Lake Shore Drive – home of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Completed in 1910 the “Moorings” was designed by recognized architect Charles Adam Platt for Russell A. Alger Jr.

This week we stay with the Alger name, and introduce Alger Place, along with Island Lane. As with many of the early grand estates along Lake Shore a number of these homes were demolished between the 1950’s and 1970’s, and the land sub divided. “By-Way” was one such example. Located on the shores of Lake Saint Clair “By-Way” was designed by William B. Stratton & Frank C. Baldwin. It completed in 1908 for Frederick Moulton Alger, brother of Russell Alger Jr., who owned the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 32 Lake Shore Drive

Last week we presented a spectacular Mediterranean Revival home – 456 University Place – designed in 1925 by Charles Lewis Phelps.

This week we turn to what is possibly the most recognizable building in the Grosse Pointe Communities – 32 Lake Shore Drive – home of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Completed in 1910 it was originally the residence of Russell A. Alger Jr. Also known as ‘The Moorings’, it was designed by recognized architect Charles Adam Platt.

Upon completion the property was one of the finest country estates on Lake Shore Drive. Set on 4.5 acres, the residence was created in Italian Renaissance architecture. This approach was a style Charles Platt was particularly passionate about having spent time in Italy, in 1892, to study…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 456 University Place

Last week we introduced you to 1004 Three Mile Drive designed by Hugh Taylor Millar for Bartholomew H. Manning in 1928.

This week we stay in the 1920’s and stop by a house that was designed in 1925 by Charles Lewis Phelps – 456 University Place. It is a spectacular Mediterranean Revival inspired property located on one of the most sort-after streets in Grosse Pointe.

The Mediterranean Revival style was a popular architectural trend throughout the United States. The style was introduced to the US towards the end of the nineteenth century, peaking in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s. It is a unique style, but also very similar to the Spanish Revival buildings that were also popular during this era. Properties were created to emulate the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 1004 Three Mile Drive

Last week we explored the Grosse Pointe Woods Theater designed by Charles N. Agree for the United Detroit Theaters chain in 1948.

This week we pay a visit to 1004 Three Mile Drive in Grosse Pointe Park. Designed by Hugh Taylor Millar for Bartholomew H. Manning in 1928, it is an impactful home with an striking two-story entrance.

What makes this 5,962 sq ft house interesting is the lack of a dominant architectural style. It has been described as Georgian, but given the more readily identifiable Georgian homes that were constructed in Grosse Pointe, during the 1920’s, it can be argued this home is a looser interpretation of this approach.

The house is dominated by the prominent two-story entranceway, which features an arched window on the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to the Grosse Pointe Woods Theater

Last week we presented 270 Voltaire Place - arguably one of Grosse Pointe’s finest estates. Located in the heart of Grosse Pointe Farms, this stunning home was designed by Raymond Carey for Mrs. R. H. Macauley in 1929.

This week we take a trip to the Grosse Pointe Woods Theater. Designed by Charles N. Agree for the United Detroit Theaters Chain, it opened in February 1948 with the film “Crossfire”, staring Robert Mitchum and Gloria Grahame. 

The building was designed using the Art Moderne (Streamline Moderne) architectural approach. This was an extremely popular style throughout the United States from around 1930 – 1945. Based on research by circaoldhouses.com we understand, in stylistic terms, ‘Streamline Moderne represents the last phase of Art…

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