Last week we headed to one of the finest homes ever built in Grosse Pointe Shores, 880 Lake Shore, designed by architectural legend Albert Kahn in 1916, for Clinton Goodloe Edgar.

This week we return to the work of Pollmar and Ropes. We first touched on the work of this architectural firm a couple of weeks ago when we presented the history of 900 Lake Shore, a home that our files indicate was designed by the duo.

The firm of Pollmar and Ropes dates to 1902, when Detroit based architects George H. Ropes and F. Carl Pollmar became partners. The firm was prolific in the city during the first 30 years of the 20th century, specializing in the design of apartments, stores, and industrial buildings. Their work was often described as a “modern…

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Last week we presented some of the homes on Lake Shore, in Grosse Pointe Shores, that were built before 1911, of which there were more than a dozen properties. A significant number of the homes built around this period still exist today.

This week we remain in Grosse Pointe Shores to explore one of the finest homes ever built in the community, 880 Lake Shore, designed by architectural legend Albert Kahn for the leader of Michigan’s sugar industry Clinton Goodloe Edgar. 

880 Lake Shore, completed in 1916, is an 8,403 sq ft Italian Renaissance inspired residence - a popular choice of Kahn for the projects he completed in Grosse Pointe Shores during this era. William Hawkins Ferry, in The Buildings of Detroit, wrote “the Italian Renaissance…

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Last week we visited the Grosse Pointe Shores municipal park, located at 800 Lake Shore Rd. The 8.3-acre park was named after George Osius in recognition of his contributions to The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores.

This week we stay in Grosse Pointe Shores to look at some of the homes that were built before 1911. 1911 was a significant year in the community - The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores (GPS) was incorporated on April 3; President George Osius hosted the first Village Council meeting at his home on Tuesday April 11.

The early residents of Grosse Pointe Shores played a significant role in the development and success of the community. Many lived in homes constructed before 1911, of which there were more than a dozen properties. It was a…

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Last week we explored the lost home, 900 Lake Shore. The Southern Colonial style home was completed in 1913, for George Osius, the first president of the Village of GP Shores. It was also the location of the Junior League of Detroit's first Designers’ Show House in 1976. Sadly, it was raised after 1987 (date unknown).

This week we continue with our visit to Grosse Pointe Shores as we explore the municipal park Park, located at 800 Lake Shore Rd. The 8.3-acre park was named after George Osius in recognition of his contributions to The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores.

Beginning in the spring of 1911, George Osius became the first president of the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores - The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores (GPS) was incorporated on April…

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Last week we stopped by 280 Vincennes to present the story of world-renowned landscape architect Thomas Dolliver Church who designed the garden. Thomas Church was a coveted landscape architect whose reputation and influence were worldwide.

This week we return to Lake Shore to explore the lost home of 900 Lake Shore. Completed in 1913, it was commissioned by George Osius – the first president of the Village of GP Shores.

According to our files, 900 Lake Shore was designed and built by the firm of Pollmar & Ropes. It was not only the home of the first president of the newly established Village of GP Shores but was also the venue of the Junior League of Detroit’s first Designer’s Show House.

900 Lake Shore was a 6,000 sq ft, 17-room Southern…

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Last week we visited a superb Mid-Century Modern home – 515 Lake Shore, designed by Wallace Frost for Almadus DeGrasse Wilkinson in 1956-1957. It was only one of two modern homes Frost designed in Grosse Pointe; the other was 280 Vincennes.

This week we stay with 280 Vincennes, to present the history of the world-renowned landscape architect Thomas Dolliver Church who designed the garden. Thomas Church was a coveted landscape architect whose reputation and influence were worldwide. During his career he completed over 4,000 projects - private gardens (primarily in California) and in 24 other states, along with many non-residential landscape commissions. 

280 Vincennes, completed in 1954, is a special property. Original owner Harry Lynn Pierson…

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Last week we presented the story of Dorothy Scherer. Aside from being a national figure in women’s golf, she was a descendent of one of the most noteworthy families in Detroit, and was the mother of HMA’s founder, our very own Hugo Higbie. She and her husband Harley G. Higbie resided at a magnificent estate named “Higbie House”.

This week we stay on Lake Shore to visit a superb Mid-Century Modern home – 515 Lake Shore, designed by Wallace Frost for Almadus DeGrasse Wilkinson in 1956-1957.

Wallace Frost was a versatile architect who designed at least 44 homes in and around Birmingham, Michigan. Yet despite working predominantly on the west side of Metro Detroit he also created at least nine homes in Grosse Pointe that spanned several…

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Last week focused on the life and career of Hugo Scherer, a prosperous businessman and real estate magnet. He worked closely with architect Louis Kamper on residential and commercial projects and was responsible for expanding the area nicknamed “The Cabbage Patch”, in the early 1900’s.

This week we turn our attention to Hugo’s youngest daughter Dorothy Clara Scherer – a prominent member of society who lived at 191 Lake Shore (later renumbered 201 Lake Shore) - a magnificent estate named “Higbie House”. Image courtesy of the Burton Historical Collection, circa 1926.

Dorothy Scherer, born 25 June 1901, was reportedly a “high spirited” young lady.  We understand she was a gifted sportswoman, and a very talented golfer - she won the Michigan…

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Last week we concluded our series on the Schmidt family “one of the oldest and eminently noteworthy families” of Detroit. The article touched on the life of Hugo Scherer, husband of Clara Schmidt.

This week we delve further into the life of Hugo Scherer, a prosperous businessman and real estate magnet. He was a prominent figure in Detroit and Grosse Pointe for over 40 years.

Born 9 October 1859, in Detroit, Hugo Scherer completed his education in the city and then spent six years studying at universities in Europe. Following his returned to the United States he embarked on a distinguished career. He married Clara Schmidt on April 11, 1888, and together they had two daughters, Marion (born in 1897), and Dorothy (born in 1901). The family resided…

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Last week we began a two-part series on the Schmidt Family. The head of the family, Traugott Schmidt, was one of Michigan’s most successful businessmen. His three sons and two daughters resided in Grosse Pointe, in homes designed by some of the nation's leading architects.

This week, in part two of our story on the Schmidt Family we will focus on Traugott’s two daughters, Alma and Clara, along with his youngest son, Albert.

  •        Carl E. Schmidt – born December 31, 1856  |  died December 12, 1934
  •        Edward J. Schmidt – born July 22, 1865  |  died December 28, 1945
  •        Alma Schm­idt Hofmann - 1869  |  died October 18, 1950
  •        Clara Schmidt Scherer - 1872  |  died July 18, 1958
  •        Albert Schmidt - born February 24,…

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