Last week we explored 40 Oxford Road. Completed in 1934, this stunning property was designed by Detroit based architects Herman & Simons for Charles F. Becker. Part of the post was a recollection of memories from Doug Milligan from the time he spent in the house, published with Jeff's permission.

This week we answer a request from one of our readers - Bob Louwers contacted us to research the history of his home, 16805 Maumee (formerly 514 Cadieux). Bob has resided in the house for over 50 years, having purchased the home in February 1972.

16805 Maumee was completed in 1922, for Charles B. Crause. Our files have Charles Crombie listed as the architect. The 2,943 sq ft home (the original size is not known) is situated on a 135’ square double lot…

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Last week we presented the history of the area known as Fox Creek. Situated close to Windmill Pointe the creek has an important and historic past, not only as an integral waterway but also as the home to an historic marker commemorating the Fox Indian Massacre.

This week we head to 40 Oxford Road. Completed in 1934, this stunning property was designed by Detroit based architects Herman & Simons for Charles F. Becker.

We first explored this home in 2022. However, we were recently contacted by Doug Milligan, who asked if we could make a few updates to the post. Well, we were happy to do that, and Doug kindly sent us some interesting details to add to the post - the article shares some of the fond memories Doug has about the home. The info from…

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Last week we presented the history of the Detroit Garden Center’s Garden Pilgrimage Tour, an annual event that began around 1935. Magnificent gardens around Metro Detroit were part of the program including a significant number in Grosse Pointe.

This week we stay with the theme of outdoor spaces as we head to Fox Creek to share the story of this historic area and the project that is currently underway to improve the space where the historic marker is located with new landscaping after it had become terribly overgrown.

The Fox Creek
The area known as Fox Creek is situated close to Windmill Pointe. The creek helps connect the area in Grosse Pointe Park with the Milk River in Grosse Pointe Shores via the Black Marsh Ditch that extends for miles…

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Last week we concluded our two-part series on John L. Pottle, one of Grosse Pointe’s most prolific architects. He designed a significant number of homes and several commercial buildings throughout the community during the 1940’s-1960’s.

This week, with summer drawing to a close, we would like to take the opportunity to present the history of the Detroit Garden Center’s Garden Pilgrimage Tour, an annual tour that began around 1935. Landscape design in Grosse Pointe has always been an important feature of many homes. Not only were nationally renowned landscape designers hired, but plants and decorative items were sourced from all over the world.

It is possible the event stemmed from a Garden Pilgrimage that was held in Grosse Pointe in the early…

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Last week we began a two-part series on some of the projects completed by one of Grosse Pointe’s most prolific architects John L. Pottle. During the 1940’s-1960’s, Mr. Pottle designed homes and commercial buildings in an array of architectural styles throughout Grosse Pointe.

This week, in part 2 we will feature some of the commercial spaces Mr. Pottle designed during the 1940’s-1960’s, some of which could certainly be described as ahead of their time.


Arguably one of the more striking buildings John Pottle created was 70-72-74 Kercheval, located on The Hill. The commercial space was completed in 1946. The new building became the location for real estate firm Toles & Chalmers, the Junior League Shop, and for Marice Wood (an exclusive…

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Last week we explored 105 Lake Shore, part of the subdivision of the former Newberry Estate that is also the location of Warner Road, 95 Lake Shore.

This week we begin a two-part series on some of the projects completed by one of Grosse Pointe’s most prolific architects John L. Pottle. Mr. Pottle designed multiple homes and several commercial buildings throughout Grosse Pointe during the 1940’s-1960’s. In Part 1 we will feature five homes designed by Mr. Pottle. Part 2 will explore several commercial spaces he designed during the mid-to late 1940’s some of which could certainly be described as ahead of their time.

John Lockyer Pottle was born in Detroit, on January 3, 1910. Having graduated from University of Michigan in 1931, he began his…

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Last week we presented the 82-year history of one of the oldest estates in Grosse Pointe. It appears the first residence on the land dates to 1875, when “Lake Terrace”, a summer cottage, was completed for Congressman John Stoughton Newberry Sr. It was designed by Gordon W. Lloyd. In 1911, his son John S. Newberry Jr. commissioned a new home on the property - 99 Lake Shore - a sprawling estate that was razed in 1987.

This week we continue the story of the former Newberry estate, with the homes that were built on the subdivided land, including 105 Lake Shore - a superb Georgian Colonial residence.

After 99 Lake Shore was reduced to a hole in the ground in just 90 days, the huge piece of land where the estate was once located sat empty for close to…

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Last week we celebrated 10 years of the Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe blog. With nearly 500 articles, posted every week since July 2014, it has been a pleasure to share the superb history of this special community.

This week we present the 82-year history of one of the oldest estates in Grosse Pointe, 99 Lake Shore. It appears the first residence on the land dates to 1875, when “Lake Terrace” a summer cottage, was completed for Congressman John Stoughton Newberry Sr., designed by Gordon W. Lloyd. Situated on an extensive property, the cottage was constructed of wood with a large open terrace that ran around most of the property. Image courtesy of the Detroit Public Library.

It is alleged the cottage was one of the first of its…

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Last week we presented the final years of 241 Lake Shore, a magnificent estate built in 1913 for Mrs. Henry Stephens. Beginning in the late 1940’s it became known as the “Kanzler Mansion”. It was then sold several times before coming to a pivotal moment in its history in 1987, followed by its demolition in 1988.

This week we are celebrating 10 years of the Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe blog. With over 500 articles, posted every week since July 2014, it has been an absolute pleasure to share the superb history of this special community.

Since the beginning of the 20th century Grosse Pointe has become the location of some of the finest homes that have been built in the United States. The early mansions that were created on Lake…

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Last week we presented the story of the lost garden at 241 Lake Shore, the former grand estate of Mrs. Henry Stephens (wife of lumber baron Henry Stephens Jr. who passed in 1910). The magnificent property was designed by Charles A. Platt in 1913. It was demolished in 1988.

This week we stay with 241 Lake Shore as we delve into the final part of the story – beginning in the late 1940’s, when it became known as the “Kanzler Mansion”, through to the properties dramatic conclusion in 1987.

After the original owner Mrs. Stephens passed on May 12, 1944, it appears 241 Lake Shore was purchased by Ernest C. Kanzler, a prominent figure in Detroit who had “full responsibility for converting the auto industry for World War II.” Source: Detroit Free Press…

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