Real Estate Blog

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to St. Paul’s – Part 2

Last week we began a three-part presentation on the historic St. Paul’s Catholic Church complex - Part 1. The facility once consisted of five buildings – the church, the rectory, a school and convent, a parish house (the former Barbor Estate), and a small barn. The buildings were constructed between 1895, and 1963. The property extends between 157 Lake Shore and 170 Grosse Pointe Boulevard.

This week we continue with part 2, as we explore the interior of St. Paul’s church, along with the history of the Rectory, the Parish House, and the Barn.

The Interior of St. Paul’s Church.
The interior of St Paul’s church, which has a cross-shaped floor plan, features many beautiful stained-glass windows. The windows were designed and made by some of the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – St. Paul’s Complex – Part 1

Last week we presented 344 Provencal, “Mennen Hall”, a Tudor Revival style mansion located on the prestigious street of Provencal in Grosse Pointe Farms. Completed in 1929, the property was designed by the prominent architect Hugh T. Keyes for Henry P. Williams and his wife Elma C. Mennen (heiress to the Mennen personal grooming products fortune).

Having recently explored the historic complex, Grosse Pointe Academy, formally known as Academy of the Sacred Heart, this week we begin a three-part presentation on another historic site in Grosse Pointe, the St. Paul Catholic Church complex. The facility once consisted of five buildings – the church, the rectory, a school and convent, a parish house (the former Barbor Estate), and a small barn. The…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 344 Provencal

Last week we presented part 2 of our story on one of Grosse Pointe’s most historic complexes, Grosse Pointe Academy, formally known as Academy of the Sacred Heart. Located at 171 Lake Shore, the complex is situated on an area that is almost twenty-acres. The site consists of five buildings - an early farmhouse and four larger academy buildings – Sacred Heart Academy and Convent, St. Paul’s Parish School, the Chapel, and the Main School Building - constructed between 1885 and 1930.

This week we turn our attention to 344 Provencal, “Mennen Hall”, a Tudor Revival style mansion located on the prestigious street of Provencal in Grosse Pointe Farms. Completed in 1929, the property was designed by the prominent architect Hugh T. Keyes. 

344 Provencal…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Grosse Pointe Academy – Part 2

Last week we presented part 1 of our story on one of Grosse Pointe’s most historic complexes, Grosse Pointe Academy, formally known as Academy of the Sacred Heart. Located at 171 Lake Shore, the complex is situated on an area that is almost twenty-acres. The site consists of five buildings - an early farmhouse and four larger academy buildings constructed between 1885 and 1930 – Sacred Heart Academy and Convent, St. Paul’s Parish School, the Chapel, and the Main School Building.

This week in part 2 we turn our attention to the Chapel and the Main School Building. Both buildings were constructed by leading architects of their generation.

The Chapel
In 1899-1900 noted Liturgical architect Harry J. Rill completed the chapel. The red brick structure…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Grosse Pointe Academy – Part 1

Last week we explored Neff Memorial Park, one of the oldest parks in the Grosse Pointe communities. The site was purchased on July 14, 1910. One hundred years later the residents of Grosse Pointe City celebrated the parks centennial year. To mark the anniversary Norbert P. Neff Park was rededicated to the citizens of the City of Grosse Pointe.

This week we turn our attention to one of Grosse Pointe’s most historic complexes, Grosse Pointe Academy, formally known as Academy of the Sacred Heart. Located at 171 Lake Shore, the complex is situated on a site that is almost twenty-acres. The site consists of five buildings - an early farmhouse (pictured below, constructed in 1860) and four larger academy buildings constructed between 1885 and 1930 –…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to Neff Park

Last week we visited the “crown jewel” of Grosse Pointe Farms, Pier Park in Grosse Pointe Farms, a beautiful space filled with some of the best amenities in the area. Over the years it has undergone multiple changes, upgrades, and developments to become the centerpiece of the community it is today.

This week we head to Neff Park, one of the oldest parks in the Grosse Pointe communities. The site was purchased on July 14, 1910. The president at the time was Daniel T. Crowley, the clerk was William G. Diefel, and there were six trustees. In 2010, the residents of Grosse Pointe City celebrated the parks centennial year. To mark the anniversary Norbert P. Neff Park was rededicated to the citizens of the City of Grosse Pointe.

The origins of the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to Pier Park

Last week we went to Grosse Pointe City to explore the St. Clair Terraces. Completed in 1928, the terraces were designed by the legendary architect C. Howard Crane and built by John P. Frazer, a noted builder in Detroit. When they formally opened, on October 6, 1929, they were “the hot new thing” in town.

This week we head to the “crown jewel” of Grosse Pointe Farms, Pier Park. Each city in Grosse Pointe has at least one municipal park on the shores of Lake St. Clair. The parks vary in size and amenities, and for many residents’ they are arguably the focal point of the community.

Pier Park in Grosse Pointe Farms is a beautiful space, filled with some of the best facilities in the area. Over the years it has undergone multiple changes, upgrades,…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The St. Clair Terraces

Last week we were on Lake Shore, exploring 785 Lake Shore, located opposite the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Completed in 1916, it is one of the earlier homes to be constructed in the vicinity of Grosse Pointe Shores.

This week we head to Grosse Pointe City, to the street of St. Clair and to the St. Clair Terraces. Completed in 1928, the terraces were designed by the legendary architect C. Howard Crane and built by John P. Frazer, a noted builder in Detroit.

The 1920’s was a boom time in architectural development across the Grosse Pointe communities. Aside from the rapid development of many single-family homes, the period was also a time when several apartment buildings were constructed, including: 

•        The English Terrace townhouses -…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 785 Lake Shore

Last week we presented an outstanding French Normandy style home in Grosse Pointe Farms, 78 Lake Shore, completed in 1928, by the multi-talented Hugh T. Keyes for Marie Fleitz Dwyer, the widow of Francis T. Dwyer.

This week we stay on Lake Shore, heading north to explore 785 Lake Shore, located opposite the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Completed in 1916, it is one of the earlier permanent homes to be constructed in the vicinity of Grosse Pointe Shores. 

785 Lake Shore was once located on a large double lot with a perfect view of Lake St. Clair - the main entrance had steps down to the front lawn, overlooking the lake. A real estate listing from 1975, described the house as a “mini castle”. The English architectural style home is constructed from…

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Higbie Maxon Agney is Hiring

Do you love real estate but are not interested in selling? If the answer is yes, we have a job for you. Higbie Maxon Agney Realtors has been in the business for over 90 years, and we currently have two positions available: Transaction Coordinator and Receptionist.

Transaction Coordinator:

Hours – 9am -5pm M-F
Health Insurance
Paid Vacation / Sick Time
Paid Holidays

Position details:
We are looking for a positive, energetic person to join our office team as a transaction coordinator to support our real estate agents and help with general office duties. Since real estate is a 24/7 business, there could be occasional after hours or weekend tasks to be managed – remotely.

What…

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