Last week we explored the newest building to be constructed in Grosse Pointe, the Schaap Center, a modern structure that will become part of the community’s architectural story. It opened to patrons in May 2026.
This week we stop by 315 Fisher, owned and used by the Grosse Pointe Theatre (GPT) for rehearsals, workshops, and as its administrative office. As of June 5, GPT’s performance home for its productions will be at the Schaap Center.
It is understood 315 Fisher, a Tudor style building, was constructed around 1913. It is rumored a German florist named Fred Pautke was the original owner, however there are conflicting stories as to what it was initially used for. It has been suggested it was a boarding house or used as a telephone exchange. We understand from 1917 to 1950 Cameron Waterman held title to the land 315 Fisher rests on. Source: Heritage Magazine (July 1986). As part of the article in Heritage Magazine Mr. Cameron explained “Fred Pautke used to have a greenhouse in the back, then when his first wife passed away, he married a nurse and they came up with the idea to turn it into a nursing home.” However, as part of the article, a longtime Grosse Pointe resident, Mr. Hendrie, explained "Mr. Pautke had a hospital there in the 1920s, but before that it was a florist shop. Fred Pautke used to be the gardener for Mr. David Whltney (a grand estate located at 237 Lake Shore) prior to that." Source: Heritage Magazine (July 1986). Fred Pautke passed in 1945.
Around 1960 the building had become the location of the Grosse Pointe Nursing Home which had thirteen patient rooms on the second floor. By 1979 it was reported 315 Fisher was vacant and unable to be renovated due to exorbitant costs and run-ins with bureaucratic red tape. Then, in the summer of 1981, the building was acquired by the GPT after the nursing homes board of trustees accepted the theater's offer to purchase it for $60,000 (around $219,000 today). At the time, it was explained “the Theatre needed a home to store costumes, set dressings, and to rehearse for its five major productions each year. Source: Grosse Pointe News (July 1981).
Prior to moving into 315 Fisher, it is understood members of GPT met monthly at Grosse Pointe War Memorial “and had been scattered around the Grosse Pointe area since the theatre’s inception in 1947.” For a limited time, the theatre had used the Grosse Pointe Academy but were asked to move on, in April 1981. Prior to taking over 315 Fisher the theatre had “lost out on its bid to purchase the Old Kerby School in Grosse Pointe Farms.” Following which, several weeks later, they acquired 315 Fisher, where they have been located ever since. Image courtesy of: GoogleEarth
In an article in Heritage Magazine (July 1980) it was suggested by the building manager of 315 Fisher, at the time, that the ghost of a lady named Emma presided over the building. It is understood Emma was the last patient to pass away at the nursing home. She had her bedroom in what would become the costume assembly room.
Over the years it is understood that while the building has maintained much of the original structure changes were made to fit the needs of various tenants. It was reported when GPT purchased the building “it was a mess, with water six inches deep in some areas.” As part of the restoration work it was explained in the article in Heritage Magazine (July 1986) GPT had to rip up eight to ten inches of flooring before they discovered the original hardwood floors. The organization proceeded to make many changes which included converting the entrance and the sunroom into a dance room. It has been acknowledged when the remodel began, “eleven dumpsters were filled with plaster. Walls were torn down to enlarge smaller rooms, while the second floor where the 13 patient rooms had been located became a giant rehearsal hall with a tall, beamed ceiling. The original balcony was retained. After spending around $50,000 for the remodeling the building became a pleasant reminder of the past.” Source: Heritage Magazine (July 1986).
Today, 315 Fisher is still under the careful ownership of Grosse Pointe Theatre. The building, with its tunnel awning, stands as a testimony to the organization’s successful marriage of good business practices, warm camaraderie, and hard work.
Grosse Pointe Theatre’s new performance home will now be at the Schaap Center in Grosse Pointe Park. Their first production is Cinderella, which runs from June 5 until June 21.
* 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 © 2026 Higbie Maxon Agney & Katie Doelle
Enjoy this blog post? Click here to subscribe for updates
Leave A Comment