Last week we reviewed Robert O. Derrick’s work on Provencal – 23 Provencal, 248 Provencal (now razed), 214 Provencal, and 204 Provencal (now razed). Derrick was one of a handful of architects to design multiple homes on this street.
This week we continue with the work of Robert O. Derrick, as we stop by 97 Touraine. This stunning Georgian style home was completed in 1929, for stockbroker, Howard Bennett.
As a prolific architect in Grosse Pointe, Derrick played a pivotal role in helping transform the architectural scene in Grosse Pointe from the 1920’s onwards. He specialized in creating large formal residences for prominent clientele who were looking for ‘something spectacular’. Arguably Derricks most productive and defining era occurred in the 1920’s and 1930’s, during which he worked in an array of architectural styles to create residences, commercial, and public buildings, along with several schools in Metro Detroit (and Grosse Pointe). Arguably one of his favored styles was the Georgian Colonial approach, which he used for many of his projects, public, commercial, and residential during this period.
One such project was 97 Touraine (original address was 27 Touraine), completed in 1929, for stockbroker Howard Bennett. This 5,780 sq ft formal residence is incredibly beautiful inside and out. The interior features crown moldings, arched doors and windows, a stunning circular staircase in the foyer, and hardwood floors. The paneled library has a fireplace along with a wet bar, while the family room has a cathedral ceiling. The county style kitchen also has a fireplace, as does the step-down living room, and the master suite.
The exterior is quintessential Georgian Colonial, with all the traits you would expect from this popular architectural approach of the late 1920’s – symmetrical design, slate roof, limestone quoins, an impressive limestone framed entrance with a carved pointed pediment, and flat chimneys on both sides of the home. The sash windows are spaced equally on the first and second floors, the taller lower windows are framed with limestone with a brick arch above each one. There are, however, no dormer windows in the roof, which was a key feature of many of the residences Robert O. Derrick designed in the late 1920’s.
The original owner, Howard Bennett was a stockbroker who lived in Grosse Pointe for over 40 years. He was born in Port Huron on 24 June 1988 and was associated with the firm of Hornblower and Weeks in Detroit for 17 years. He was married to Marguerite and they had four children.
From our files we understand in August 1932, Mr. Bennett began renting 97 Touriane to Albert Keen – it is not clear where Mr. Bennett was living during this time. In November 1936, the house was rented to Fred Alger for $350 per month (around $8,000 today) partially furnished. During this time Mr. Alger unsuccessfully ran for the position of United States Representative from Michigan's 14th District. Following the campaign, it appears Mr. Alger moved out of the property.
By 1938 Howard Bennett was living back in his home. At the time the property was on the market with Mr. Bennett holding out for an offer of $90,000 (around $2m today) which is what it had originally cost him. However, before the property was sold our records show that a sheriff’s deed was passed on September 29, 1938. Our files state Mr. Bennett had recently lost his job and still owed $30,000 on his mortgage. The house was then appraised (in November 1938) as being worth $46,600. By 1940, the house was under the ownership of the Detroit Trust Company. It was then purchased by stockbroker Charles Smith for $27,500 (around $636,000 today) who then sold the home to Ed O’Leary in February 1952.
In 1964, the house was owned by John Kretzschmar. In December that year it was part of the “Christmas Walk” event in Grosse Pointe, when several homes were opened to the public to benefit the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The photo below shows Mrs. John Kretzschmar stringing popcorn to go on her “impressive tree” for visitors to enjoy her “special holiday touches.” Source and images: Detroit Free Press (December 1964). The property has subsequently been sold several times, with the last sale occurring this year by our broker/owner Kay Agney who is a huge fan of Robert O. Derrick’s work.
Some other fine examples of Derrick’s Georgian Colonial style homes in Grosse Pointe are –
- 409 Washington - 1922
- 174 Ridge – 1923
- 798 Berkshire - 1923
- 294 Lincoln – 1924
- 420 Washington - 1925
- 23 Beverly Road - 1925
- 168 Vendome - 1928
- 70 Vendome - 1929
- 211 Vendome – 1931
- 518 Washington - 1935
97 Touraine is a magnificent home, one of the finest examples of Georgian Colonial architecture in the community.
Next week we return to Robert O. Derrick’s work on Provencal to feature two further properties he created - making 6 in total - more than any other architect.
* 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
Posted by Kay Agney on
Leave A Comment