Last week we explored a Mid-Century Ranch, 452 Chalfonte. This eye-catching home was completed in 1952, having been created by a group of very talented artists - architect Omer C. Bouschor, builder James Monahan, landscape architect Eleanor Roache, and the renowned firm of Meathe & Kessler, who designed the original patio.
This week we stop by a house that is celebrating its 100th anniversary - 1175 Three Mile Drive. This historic home was designed by George D. Mason & Company for pioneering electrical engineer Frank E. Fisher. Image courtesy of: digitalcollections.detroitpubliclibrary.org
1175 Three Mile is a substantial 8,166 sq ft house designed in the English Cottage style, which was very popular in Grosse Pointe during this era. It is located on a 100’ x 250’ sq ft corner lot at Three Mile and Kercheval. The six-bedroom home is constructed from stone on brick with a slate roof. The interior of this three-story home is stone and concrete, and unusually it has three stairways. Each room is filled with superb architectural details and materials including oak, walnut, gumwood, and birch wood paneling, there is Pewabic tile in the bathrooms, along with multiple fireplaces. At one point there was (and still is) a fountain in the family room, plus a built-in vault and a recreation room in the basement. The servant’s quarters were located above the three-car garage. Color images courtesy of: GoogleEarth.
There are many fine examples of English Cottage style homes in Grosse Pointe from this era including 34 Beverly (built in 1913 – pictured below), 70 Moran (built in 1919, demolished in 1957), 25 Roslyn (built in 1922) and 1175 Three Mile (built in 1925). Several typical characteristics of this approach are an asymmetric configuration, a steeply pitched roof, large flat chimneys, arrangements of tall narrow windows, multiple smaller windows (in bands), stucco on the front façade, and in some instances a tile roof. The English Cottage style is a particularly interesting architectural form – many talented architects created projects in this approach and while there are elements that are instantly recognizable, in many cases the design was left to the architect’s own interpretation of this approach.
The original owner of 1175 Three Mile was Frank E. Fisher. Born in 1859, Mr. Fisher began his distinguished career in 1879, with the Detroit Electric Company (where he would ultimately become general manager). He quickly became a pioneer in electrical engineering in the city. Amongst the many inventions, patents, and projects he would become known for, one of his major accomplishments was his part in directing the installation of the first telephone switchboard in Detroit and inventing the Fisher self-starter for automobiles. Several years later, it is reported Mr. Fisher went to San Jose to supervise the installation of the city’s electric street railway system. While there he met Lu Bethel who became his wife. Back in Detroit, Mr. Fisher was a key figure in the Masonic Temple Association. We understand he helped formulate plans for the old masonic Temple at Lafayette and First in the early 1890’s and was a member of the committee in charge of its construction. In 1910, he became president of the Masonic Temple Association. Source: Detroit Free Press (May 1940). Image courtesy of: Detroit Free Press (December 1912).
Mr. Fisher also held a key role when plans were drawn up for the new Masonic Temple at the Cass Corridor. This is presumably where he began his association with architect George D. Mason, who designed it. It was reported, “in 1924, Mr. Fisher sold his factory and devoted all his time to supervising the construction of the Temple - in 1925 he became the Masonic Temple’s Association secretary and manager.” It was also during this time that his new home was completed on Three Mile Drive. Sadly Mr. Fisher’s wife passed that same year, in 1925. In December 1934, it was reported Mr. Fisher was seriously ill following a stroke. It is assumed he did not return to his home on Three Mile Drive, and after several years of ill health he moved to Maryland in 1939, where he passed on May 07, 1940. Source: Detroit Free Press (December 1934 and May 1940).
1175 Three Mile was then rented by Mr. Fisher’s daughter and son-in-law Gomer Krise (chief assistant prosecuting attorney) and appeared to be under the ownership of Union Guardian Bonds – it is not known when Mr. Fisher officially relinquished control of the property. In August 1936, the house was listed for sale and sold off-market in 1937 (buyer unknown). Having been leased for two years at $250 per month (around $5,600 today) it was then rented by Miss Kayne, who vacated the property in February 1942. Early in 1944, notes in our files indicate the house was owned by a liquidation company. It was finally sold in May that year for $17,500 (around $321,000 today). It was purchased by Pando and Stefka Anton, who had three children. It appears the Anton family owned 1175 Three Mile Drive for over 50 years. It was listed for sale in 1996, and purchased by the current owners, Dr. Ali Moiin & Dr. William Kupsky.
The architectural firm who designed 1175 Three Mile was George D. Mason and Company. Having been working on his own since 1905, George D. Mason formed the company in 1922. His partners at the firm were Albert C. McDonald, David H. Williams, and Herbert C. Wenzell. Prior to creating the new firm Mason already had a stellar reputation as one of Detroit’s most prestigious architects. So it came as no surprise that George D. Mason & Company were hired to design several prestigious buildings in Detroit such as the Detroit Yacht Club (1923) and the Detroit Masonic Temple - the world's largest Masonic Temple which Frank E. Fisher had a significant role in planning. Located in the Cass Corridor neighborhood of Detroit, the new temple reportedly cost $6.5 million (around $102 million today). The cornerstone was placed on September 19, 1922, and the building was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, 1926. It is safe to say, the firm of George D. Mason & Company was in high demand and had many prestigious projects to its name, including several stunning homes in Grosse Pointe with at least three completed around the same time as Mr. Fisher’s home -
- 784 Berkshire (1925)
- 1175 Three Mile Drive (1925)
- 191 Lake Shore (1926) - Read the full story by clicking here
1175 Three Mile Drive is part of a collection of sublime homes that are over 100 years old. These historic residences, large and small, have a significant role to play in the history of Grosse Pointe.
If your home is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year, or in 2026, we would love to hear from you.
* Photos courtesy of the Higbie Maxon Agney archives unless stated.
** Research, information, and data sources are deemed reliable, but accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed.
Written by Katie Doelle
Copyright © 2025 Higbie Maxon Agney & Katie Doelle
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