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 part of the estate owned by John and Anna Dwyer - 372 Lakeland, which is located just across the street from number 379. Research by Higbie Maxon Agney REALTOR Paula Draper states “the history of 379 Lakeland dates to 1809, which is when the first title for the property was recorded. At the time it was one of the many strip farms that were located all the way from the lake up to what we now know as Mack Avenue.”
Ms. Draper’ extensive research explains “in 1906, John and Anna Dwyer purchased 55 acres of strip farm in what was then known as the Jefferson and Black Marsh District. Historic documents confirm they purchased the land for a total of $35,000 (around $1.2m today). Three years later, in 1909, John and Anna built 372 Lakeland, a massive 12,000 sq ft home that included a carriage house as well as a guest house.” In 1923, it is reported they subdivided the property. That same year their daughter Annette married Jerome E. J. Keane, then in 1924, lot number six, was deeded to the newly married couple. Mr. Keane hired Hugh T. Keyes to create 379 Lakeland which was completed in 1925. It is understood the front wall along Maumee and the sidewall (that still stand today) were part of the original John Dwyer estate. Keyes then added a further wall to the side of the property in 1926. In 1929, John and Anna deeded lot number five, which was the second parcel, to Annette and Jerome. Image of Jerome Keane courtesy of: Findagrave.com
Research by Paula Draper uncovered that while Jerome Keane was a respected financial expert in Detroit, it is noted that due to financial hardship, courtesy of the great depression, he did not pay his income taxes between 1929 and 1934. The total sum that was due in 1934, was $130,000 (around $3.1m today) – it resulted in a lean being put on 379 Lakeland. It is not clear when Mr. Keane left the property, but in on 18 June 1932 Lou and Marjorie Maxon moved into the residence. It is understood the estate was then deeded to Lou and Marjorie Maxon in 1935. Mr. Maxon was an incredibly successful advertising agency executive and philanthropist – Maxon Inc. was one of the nation's top advertising agencies.
Following the end of the great depression it is noted Jerome Keane began doing very well once again and he recovered quickly. By 1937, the unpaid taxes were paid (presumably by Mr. Keane) and the IRS discharged the lean against the house. In 1946, Lou and his second wife Ruth (married in 1946) purchased 379 Lakeland from his first wife Marjorie for $30,000 (around $490,000 today). It is believed following the acquisition the couple made many changes to the property (explained in greater detail further on in the article). Lou Russel Maxon passed on 15 May 1971. Following his death the Detroit Free Press ran an advertisement for the ‘Lou Maxon Estate Sale’, such was his standing and prominence in the area and the local community.
The house itself is an 8,000 sq ft residence created in the Tudor revival style - a steel and concrete construction with a slate roof, balconies, and mullion windows. It once had six bedrooms, five full baths, three half baths, a coat room and powder room, two wine cellars, a sauna, two boilers, and four air conditioning units. The carved, paneled sunken living room is believed to be by Liberty of London.
An addition, that is now the location of the library, was added by the second owner, Lou Maxon. During Mr. Maxon’s ownership it is understood a lot of the three or four or five paneled mullion windows were replaced with large open windows to provide more of a mid-century modern feel. He also had the ‘world’s most beautiful kitchen’ installed – as featured in Modern Living magazine, courtesy of Alin Maxon. The images below are also courtesy of Lou’s son: Alin Maxon, who grew up in the home. Research by Paula Draper states “Maxon loved gold and earth tones and mid-century modern style. At the time, he and his wife were friends with the owners of the Pewabic pottery, and so together they fabricated unique color tones specifically for this house.” During this period, the garden had two greenhouses (believed to have been added by Keane or Maxon). It is understood the Maxon family used to move the koi carp, from the outside pond, into one of the greenhouses during the winter. They also used the second structure to keep up to 200 orchids and succulents.
In 1972, 379 Lakeland was sold to the current owners James and Patricia Fitzgerald – James is a skilled and certified architect. Paula Draper explains “when the Fitzgerald’s purchased the property they lived in the laundry room and used that as their kitchen for the first two years while their new home was renovated. At the time, their goal was to return the property closer to its original design, undoing some of the changes that had been made by the Maxon family. Mr. Fitzgerald also made enhancements and additions to the house that complemented it, so they were seamless and not easily identifiable. It was suggested he used his house as an outlet for his design and engineering skills.
Over the years, despite only having three owners, 379 Lakeland has undergone multiple changes, but still retains the essence, charm, and craftsmanship that architect Hugh T. Keyes intended it to have. The property has won two beautification awards, the first was roughly 20 years ago, the second was in 2023. Today, 379 Lakeland is more than a home - it’s a piece of Grosse Pointe history.
We would like to thank Paula Draper for her extensive research on the property. Paula is a REALTOR with Higbie Maxon Agney and is a regular speaker for our free lecture series. You can watch her full presentation on 379 Lakeland by clicking here.
379 Lakeland is currently for sale. If you would like further details or to schedule a tour, please click here or call our office.
If you have a home, building or street you would like us to profile please contact Higbie Maxon Agney – homes@higbiemaxon.com - we will try and feature the property.
* 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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