Last week we began to introduce some extremely talented, yet lesser-known designers who worked throughout Metro Detroit during the 1920’s – 1930’s, starting with Rupert Koch.
This week we continue with the theme, by profiling another architect who was probably more known nationally, than he was locally in Metro Detroit - Harrie T. Lindeberg - best known for designing spectacular country houses in the United States for prominent families. He came to Grosse Pointe in the 1930’s to create his one and only project in the community, 481 Kercheval (formerly 50 Provencal). Photo courtesy of: Realtor.com
The son of Swedish parents, Harrie Thomas Lindeberg was born in New Jersey on April 10, 1879. He studied architecture at the National Academy of Design from 1898 to 1901, and began his career as an assistant draftsman with the noted firm of McKim, Mead and White. In 1906 Lindeberg and fellow colleague Lewis Colt Albro, started their own firm. It was a partnership that lasted until 1914, after which Lindeberg established his own practice to work on a wide variety of projects, from large country estates to suburban villas. Many of his projects centered on designing residences in the upscale suburbs and countryside close to major cities, including New York City, Houston, Chicago, and Minneapolis. His commissions came from noted families such as the Du Pont’s, the Havemeyer’s, and the Doubleday’s to name but a few. Source: Wikipedia.
While his approach covered many popular architectural trends, he was probably best known and respected for working in a traditional style that incorporated modern elements. Source: Wikipedia. It has been acknowledged while many of his homes were grand, they tended to be quite simple in their form, displaying clean lines, high rooflines, and straightforward layouts. It is understood Scandinavian design remained a constant inspiration throughout his career. Source: ‘Reflecting on the Work of Architect Harrie T. Lindeberg’ – deringhall.com. The article is based on the research of Peter Pennoyer, and Anne Walker for their book Harrie T. Lindeberg and the American Country House (The Monacelli Press)
The excellent article on deringhall.com also states “while many of Lindeberg’s creations were constructed from brick and stone, they incorporated elements and forms from traditional English, French and Swedish architectural approaches, including the Art’s and Crafts movement.” It is understood he liked to have fun with his creations and pushed boundaries, such as using shingles to mimic thatched roofs. Lindeberg was also a big fan of symmetry and was known for the gracious restrained elegance that featured throughout several of his highly detailed homes.
Writing in American Architect (in 1916), Harrie T. Lindeberg lauded the “widespread revival of interest in home making in America, which was all the result of people thinking about their homes, wanting them absolutely suited to their lives, and insisting upon being comfortable.” Source: www.a2modern.org/
Here in Grosse Pointe it appears Mr. Lindeberg created just one home - 481 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms. Overlooking the golf course at the Country Club of Detroit, the homes original address was 50 Provencal Place.
The home was built in 1935 for Ruby Boyer Miller, a wealthy, married socialite who was originally from St Louis. Ms. Miller maintained a large summer residence in Wenham, Massachusetts - Penguin Hall – a 20,000 sq ft mansion - that was also designed by Lindeberg (his first project for Ms. Miller). His work at 481 Kercheval was the second commission from his wealthy client. Courtesy of: nshoremag.com
Ms. Boyer was born on 17 December 1882 in St. Louis. Her father was the original backer of the Burroughs Adding Machine, invented by William Steward Burroughs. It was reported “Mr. Boyer helped finance the fledgling Burroughs company, took control when Mr. Burroughs withdrew, and was responsible for bringing the company to Detroit from St. Louis. After her father relocated the family to Detroit, Mrs. Miller resided in the area for 60 years. She married William A. C. Miller, Jr. on January 8, 1908, in Detroit. Source: Detroit Free Press (September 1960).
481 Kercheval is a 6,555 sq ft home is situated on a picturesque 1.48-acre lot. Created in Lindeberg’s favored uncomplicated approach, it is an elegant symmetrical design in a Greek Revival style. Constructed from brick with a slate roof, there is an abundance of large windows across the rear elevation, arranged individually in strict horizontal lines on the second floor, while two large bay windows fill the lower level (it is believed these were a later addition). The interior features handsome details throughout with crisp crown and dentil moldings, hardwood floors and six fireplaces. The superb historic photos below are from the Library of Congress showing the living room, the foyer, and an intricate arched gate with its delicate detailing. Every one of Lindeberg’s creations was designed to an impeccable finish inside and out, and the home for Ruby Boyer Miller was no exception. Ms. Miller owned the property until she passed at her home on 9 September 1960. Color Image courtesy of: Realtor.com
Harrie T. Lindeberg died in New York on 10 January 1959. While he was nationally known at the time, it is debatable whether his work receives the recognition it deserves today.
481 Kercheval is currently for sale – Please call us to schedule a tour or click here for full details.
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 © 2026 Higbie Maxon Agney & Katie Doelle
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