Real Estate Blog - Kay Agney

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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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Kerby Family

Last week we presented the story of the Beaupre family in Grosse Pointe. Eugene Beaupre Sr. moved to Grosse Pointe, he was the head of the Beaupre family and established quite a life for himself and the many family members who were and have had a noted presence in the community.

This week we stick with family history as we explore the Kerby family. As we mentioned last week Grosse Pointe has a rich French heritage that stems from some of the earliest families to inhabit Grosse Pointe, including Vernier, Cadieux, Trombley, Moross, Renaud, Beaufait, Poupard, Beaupre’s, and the Kerby’s. 

It is acknowledged the Kerby family are one of the community’s earliest settlers. John Kerby Sr. was born 1754 in Albany, New York, the son of Thomas Kerby (who…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Beaupre Family

Last week we concluded our two-part series on the work of Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls with some of the fine residences they created in Grosse Pointe between 1909 and 1925.

This week we are going to present the story of the Beaupre Family, one of Grosse Pointe’s most historic families. It is well known Grosse Pointe has a rich French heritage that stems from some of the earliest families to inhabit Grosse Pointe, including Vernier, Cadieux, Trombley, Moross, Renaud, Kerby, Beaufait, Poupard, and the Beaupre’s.

During the period of 1701 through to 1796, three flags were flown over Detroit, firstly France, then Britain, followed by the United States in 1796. Having been occupied primarily by the French, Detroit surrendered to the English around…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls – Part 2

Last week we began a two-part series on the work of Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls (SHG). This esteemed firm created many fine homes in Grosse Pointe over several decades. In part one of the two-part series, we explored three properties they designed between 1909 - 1918 including 35 Fisher, the first telephone exchange for the Home Telephone Co.

This week, in part two, we continue with four more residences, created between 1919 and 1930. All these properties are located on some of the most esteemed streets in Grosse Pointe and were created for noted clientele.

390 Washington – 1919

Designed for Richard Matthew Heames, 390 Washington was created in a Mediterranean style – an approach that was gaining in popularity in Grosse Pointe during this…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls – Part 1

Last week we presented the home and work of Ward A. Detwiler. Mr. Detwiler and his partner John Bryant created some of the most noteworthy factories, stores, and offices in Detroit during the early 20th century. Mr. Detwiler resided at 1009 Three Mile; a house designed by noted architects Crombie & Stanton.

We recently featured the home of John Bryant – 815 Ellair - a stunning Tudor residence designed by the esteemed firm of Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls (SHG) in 1930. It was a just one of many fine homes created by the company over several decades. In part one of a two-part series, we will be presenting some more of the residential projects completed by the company in Grosse Pointe. This week we focus on three of the properties they designed between…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Ward A. Detwiler

Last week we went to 815 Ellair Place, a magnificent English Tudor residence located at the end of the street, overlooking Lake St. Clair. It was designed by the nationally recognized firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls in 1930, for John A. Bryant. Mr. Bryant was co-founder of the Bryant and Detwiler Company, one of Detroit's most admired building firms.

This week we are going to focus on the home and work of Ward Arnold Detwiler. As the partner of John Bryant, their company - Bryant and Detwiler - created some of the most noteworthy factories, stores, and offices in Detroit during the early twentieth century. Mr. Detwiler resided at 1009 Three Mile, a house designed by noted architects Crombie and Stanton in 1925.

1009 Three Mile is a 7,500 sq ft…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 815 Ellair Place

Last week we introduced the Gracie Wallpaper Company. This very special and exclusive interior feature is not your standard wallpaper, but a covering of silk, hand painted by artists. To this day it remains highly sought after and can be found on the walls of some of the most notable homes in the world, including at least two residences in Grosse Pointe.

This week we head to 815 Ellair Place, a magnificent English Tudor residence located at the end of the street, overlooking Lake St. Clair. It was designed by the nationally recognized firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls in 1930, for John A. Bryant. Mr. Bryant was co-founder of the Bryant and Detwiler Company, one of Detroit's most noted building contractor firms. 815 Ellair was built by his own…

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