Last week we stopped by 44 Beverly Road, completed in 1916-1917 for William Cornelius Crowley. It is believed this outstanding limestone clad home was architect Richard Raseman’s first residential project in Grosse Pointe.

This week we stay on Beverly Road and head further down the street to number 28. Completed in 1911/1912, this distinctive Mission Revival style home was designed by Alpheus W. Chittenden for Detroit banker William Pegram Hamilton.

It is believed 28 Beverly, and 40 Beverly are the earliest houses built on Beverly Road. Both were constructed in 1911/12, part of the original Beverly Park sub-division that was platted by Henry B. Joy in 1910. 28 Beverly is a one of a kind 8,656 sq ft home that is a superb example of the Mission…

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Last week we presented some of the work of Richard E. Raseman who was, at one point, one of Detroit’s most prominent and influential designers. Not only did he create many significant buildings in the city, but also several noteworthy residences in Grosse Pointe.

This week we delve deeper into one of Richard Raseman’s residential projects, 44 Beverly Road, completed in 1916-1917 for William Cornelius Crowley. It is believed this outstanding home was one of Raseman’s earliest residential projects in Grosse Pointe. The property was featured in the Western Architect in October 1916.

44 Beverly Road is located on the corner of Maumee and Beverly Road and has always been a prominent residence in Grosse Pointe Farms. Beverly Road is part of the…

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Last week we explored 411 Country Club Lane, a stunning home designed by renowned architect William B. Stratton in 1927 for Edward S. Bennett. The Colonial style home is instantly recognizable on a special street that has many sublime properties.

This week we present some of the work of Richard E. Raseman who was, at one point, one of Detroit’s most prominent and influential designers. Not only did he create many significant buildings in the city, but also several noteworthy residences in Grosse Pointe.

Born in Detroit on July 29, 1855, Richard E. Raseman, without any formal training, began his career as a draughtsman in the firm of Julius Hess, a well-known architect in Detroit. Several years later, in 1883, he was a recognized architect in…

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Last week we presented the work of architect Charles Kellogg Backus. While Mr. Backus only designed a few homes during a short career that was tragically cut short, he did create one of Grosse Pointe’s most unique buildings, the Unitarian Church, located at 17150 Maumee in Grosse Pointe City. This distinctive structure was completed in 1964-1965.

This week we head to 411 Country Club Lane, a stunning home designed by renowned architect William B. Stratton in 1927 for Edward S. Bennett. The Colonial style home is instantly recognizable on a special street that has many sublime properties.

William B. Stratton was one of the most influential architects in Detroit during the early 20th Century. He worked with some of the best designers in the…

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Last we explored a rather splendid home, 70 Vendome. Located on one of the most prestigious streets in Grosse Pointe Farms, it was designed by prolific local architect Robert O. Derrick in 1929, for Frank E. Price.

This week we review the work of architect Charles Kellogg Backus. While Mr. Backus only designed a few homes during a short career that was tragically cut short, he did create one of Grosse Pointe’s most unique buildings, the Unitarian Church, located at 17150 Maumee in Grosse Pointe City. This stunning structure was completed in 1964-1965. Images courtesy of: Katie Doelle.

Charles Kellogg Backus was the son of Standish Backus who was a lawyer, engineer, general counsel for General Motors, and president of the Burroughs Adding…

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Last week we presented the history of 257 Ridge Road, a stunning Tudor style residence designed by architectural legend Albert Kahn. It was completed in 1928-1929 for Jerome Hosmer Remick whose company was one of the largest publishers of sheet music in the world.

This week we answer a request from another of our readers, Paul, who contacted us to research a rather splendid home, 70 Vendome. Located on one of the most prestigious streets in Grosse Pointe Farms, it was designed by prolific local architect Robert O. Derrick in 1929, for Frank E. Price.

Paul informed us, during the 1980’s, when he was in high school and part of college, he worked for a landscape services company in Grosse Pointe. During his time with the company, he saw some…

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Last week we explored 16805 Maumee (formerly 514 Cadieux). This pretty English Cottage style home was completed in 1922 by Charles Crombie for Charles B. Crause. The current owner has lived there for over 50 years.

This week we head to 257 Ridge Road to explore a stunning Tudor style residence designed by architectural legend Albert Kahn. It was completed in 1928-1929 for Jerome Hosmer Remick whose company was one of the largest publishers of sheet music in the world.

257 Ridge Road (original address was 245 Ridge Road) is a magnificent 9,346 sq ft residence constructed of limestone and brick with a slate roof. From our files the cost to build the home in 1928 was $121,571.54 plus $8,774 for an addition to the library. The total was a whopping…

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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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